Residents of Jinja and Buikwe districts have raised alarm over the steadily deteriorating hygienic condition at the iconic Nile Bridge, a world-class landmark that has long-served as one of Uganda’s leading tourism attractions.
Once celebrated for its architectural beauty and immaculate surroundings, the bridge is now at the center of a growing public outcry as locals accuse authorities of neglect and poor maintenance.
According to residents, the situation worsened after the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) was merged into the Ministry of Works and Transport.
They claim that several projects previously supervised by UNRA, including the Nile Bridge have since fallen into disrepair, with some maintenance operations seemingly abandoned.
Locals who frequent the bridge say the change in management has resulted in sluggish upkeep, leaving the bridge’s hygiene standards in a worrying state.
A visit to the bridge on Sunday painted a grim picture.
The walls of the pedestrian lanes were caked with mud, drainage holes clogged with assorted rubbish, and the sides of the bridge were overgrown with grass and crops such as maize.
Mr Tom Oyugi, chairperson of the boda-boda stage at New Bridge, Njeru noted that the bridge and its adjacent roundabout areas no longer offer the welcoming environment they once did.
Mr Oyugi questioned the current chain of responsibility for maintenance, observing that since UNRA’s functions were absorbed into the Ministry of Works, cleaning and slashing activities around the bridge have drastically slowed down.
Previously, UNRA workers regularly maintained the area, ensuring the bridge retained its world-class image.
‘We get embarrassed when travellers ask how often this place is cleaned. Many of them complain that the bridge no longer looks as beautiful as it used to. They expected better, considering its international reputation,’ Mr Oyugi said.
Similarly, Mr Ali Sebugwawo, a concerned resident of Njeru, warned that the declining hygiene could tarnish the country’s image.
He emphasized that the bridge has always been a major attraction for both domestic and foreign visitors, many of whom would stop to take photographs while crossing.
‘This is the responsibility of the line Ministry. UNRA used to keep this place spotless. That is why no traveller passed without taking a photo. But now it’s the opposite,’ Mr Sebugwawo said.
Mr Joseph Kasakya, a boda-boda rider said Ministers and MPs always use the bridge and see what is happening but cannot report such to the authority is a big challenge.
Over two months ago, the Ministry of Works and Transport deployed a cleaning agency whose work lasted for weeks.
Residents are now urging the government to urgently restore routine maintenance of the bridge.
Many fear that failure to act quickly will not only harm tourism but also diminish the pride associated with one of Uganda’s most celebrated engineering achievements.
When contacted on Monday, Mr Allan Ssempebwa, a senior communications officer at the Ministry said a cleaning agency was on site to do the necessary maintenance.
About the Jinja New Bridge
The cable-stayed bridge, which has a lifespan of 120 years, was constructed at a cost of Shs390 to replace Old Nalubaale Bridge.
It was jointly built by Zenitaka Corporation and Hyundai Engineering and Construction Co. Ltd., and was commissioned by President Museveni on October 17, 2018.