70-year-old Ssezibwa Bridge dismantled as new structure nears completion

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The 70-year-old Ssezibwa Bridge on the Kayunga–Mukono Highway has been dismantled following the completion of construction of its replacement, ending the life of a colonial-era structure that had become a symbol of historical heritage for many residents.

The dilapidated steel bridge, built during British colonial rule to ease the transportation of coffee and cotton across River Ssezibwa, held social and political significance for communities in Kayunga District.

The bridge, which formed an informal boundary between Kayunga and Mukono districts, was the site where the then Buganda Katikkiro, JB Walusimbi, was blocked from entering Kayunga in 2009, triggering protests across Buganda.

Its removal has therefore attracted mixed reactions, with some residents on Wednesday arguing that “the structure should have been repaired and preserved rather than demolished.”

Eng Yasiin Kayemba, a Ministry of Works engineer and project manager overseeing construction of the new Ssezibwa Bridge, said that the old structure had been completely dismantled and its components would be transported to the ministry’s store in Luweero District.

“Some of the components of the old bridge can still be used for construction of another bridge. They will be kept in the store and, if there is any emergency construction of a bridge, they will use them,” Eng Kayemba told Monitor.

He said dismantling the old bridge took three weeks, adding that road users had started using the new arch bridge, whose construction is expected to be completed in February next year.

The removal has drawn criticism from some residents who believe the old bridge could have been renovated to extend its lifespan and preserve its historical significance.

“The old bridge just needed expansion and renovation and would serve for some more years. By removing it, it is like erasing the history of our area,” said Ms Anna Kyakuwaire, a resident.

Ms Gladys Nakankya, 79, one of the elders in Kayunga District, said the bridge was constructed when she was still young and eased movement to and from Kayunga, where residents previously relied on canoes to cross River Ssezibwa.

“The old steel-made bridge was a donation from the British colonial government to the people of Kayunga and Uganda, and removing it is going to delete that history,” Ms Nakankya said.

However, Eng Kayemba said the bridge had outlived its lifespan and had served the community for decades. Some of its components had rusted, making the structure unstable, he said.

Construction of the new Ssezibwa Bridge, located about 100 metres from the old structure, is being undertaken by local construction firm Dynaco Ltd at a cost of Shs54 billion.

Leaders from Kayunga and Mukono districts tour the new Ssezibwa Bridge to assess its progress on September 3, 2026. PHOTO/FRED MUZAALE

The project began in June 2024 under an 18-month contract, with completion initially scheduled for December 2025.

However, Eng Peter Tibenderana, Dynaco Ltd’s projects manager, said adverse weather conditions and cash-flow challenges had affected progress, leading to a revision of the completion date to February 3, 2026.

The new arch bridge is intended to replace the ageing structure along the busy highway connecting Kayunga and Mukono.

Its construction marks a transition from a bridge that served generations of residents to modern infrastructure designed to support continued movement between the two districts.

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