New milestone as Samia opens Magufuli Bridge

Constructed at a cost of Sh718 billion, fully funded by the government, the bridge connects Kigongo in Misungwi District with Busisi in Sengerema District, traversing Lake Victoria.

“I’m happy that the dream has been fulfilled. We’ve just crossed the bridge in four minutes—it’s now a reality,” President Hassan told thousands gathered at the launch site, amid ululations, cheers and vehicle horns blaring in celebration.

She emphasised that the bridge, initiated during the administration of the late President John Magufuli, is a symbol of Tanzania’s economic transformation and self-reliance.

“This idea came from Tanzanians. Over 92 percent of the construction work was done by Tanzanians. It’s a sign of our ability to implement major projects with our own hands,” she said.

The bridge is expected to revolutionize economic activities in the Lake Zone and the wider East African region, with an average of 12,000 vehicles expected to cross it daily, cutting travel time from up to three hours using ferries to just four minutes.

“This bridge will improve transport of goods and farm inputs. It will reduce the cost and time, enabling producers to reach markets faster,” she said.

The Head of State further urged local communities to take advantage of the development by increasing production in agriculture and trade.

“This is an opportunity. Let’s improve productivity and grow our economy,” she told the crowd.

The President also issued a directive to security organs to safeguard the bridge.

“This is not a Tanzanian bridge alone—it is for the whole of East Africa. Our neighbours in Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and DRC will benefit. So, we must protect it,” she said.

A ceremony full of pride and symbolism

The launch was more than a ribbon-cutting. President Hassan pressed a symbolic button and waved the national flag, officially opening the bridge to traffic.

A convoy of vehicles immediately began crossing, signaling the dawn of a new era. The atmosphere was electric, with patriotic songs, dancing and youth parades.

Earlier in the afternoon, President Hassan arrived at the project site at 2.18pm, welcomed by a massive crowd and colourful displays from local residents.

At a nearby rally at Kaluande Technical College grounds, more citizens waited to hear the President’s address.

Bridge specs and strategic importance

According to Tanroads CEO Mohamed Besta, the bridge is designed to last 100 years before major repairs.

It is 28.45 metres wide, allowing four lanes of traffic—two in each direction—with additional 2.5-metre pedestrian walkways and emergency parking lanes on both sides. It ranks sixth in length on the African continent.

“We expect over 12,000 vehicles to use this bridge daily. It will ease movement across the lake and boost trade tremendously,” Mr Besta said.

The bridge ends over 50 years of reliance on ferries at the Kigongo-Busisi crossing, which served up to 12,000 people daily at peak times.

The bridge was the brainchild of President Magufuli, who personally experienced the challenge of crossing the lake using unreliable boats.

“Once, while going to propose marriage, I reached the crossing and the ferry broke down. I thought of using a canoe, but my heart refused. I went around through Kamanga,” Magufuli once said during a visit to the site.

That tragic trip inspired his resolve to build a bridge, especially after learning that 11 people died in the very canoe he had declined to board.

Construction began in February 2020 and by the time Magufuli died in March 2021, the project was 24.6 percent complete.

President Hassan took over and ensured the project reached 100 percent completion, fulfilling her predecessor’s dream.

End of an era for ferries

With the bridge now in full operation, ferry services at Kigongo-Busisi will be phased out.

According to Temesa regional ferry manager Mboka Kibonde, two of the ferries have already been reassigned to Kome Island and Ukerewe, where demand for water transport is still high.

“This bridge puts an end to over 50 years of ferry services in this area. But it’s not the end of their usefulness—we’re redirecting them to where they’re needed most,” he said.

Local drivers, some of the daily users of the crossing, were among the happiest at the launch.

“Sometimes we had to leave passengers behind due to ferry delays. The bridge ends that hustle,” said Maneno Mabula, a Daladala driver.

A truck driver, Damian Nelson, recalled spending up to six hours waiting to cross by ferry.

“Now I can deliver cargo on time. Four minutes instead of hours—it’s life-changing,” he said.