Presidency Refutes Allegations on Traffic Snarl-Up on Masaka Highway

The presidency and the Ministry of Works and Transport have refuted media and public reports that the overnight traffic snarl along Kampala-Masaka highway was related to the president’s campaign movements.

‎‎‎Traffic slowed to a halt Monday evening for almost 50 kilometres spreading either side of the Mpigi junction and only cleared after midday the next on Tuesday.‎‎

Reports indicated that the jam was prompted by President Yoweri Museveni who spent the day campaigning in greater Mpigi area, with some noting that he later stopped along the highway to address gathered crowds.

‎‎Gen Katumba Wamala has in a statement dismissed this narrative and instead blamed the situation on indiscipline by some motorists on the road.‎‎

He says there was already increased traffic as many people were returning from the Christmas break upcountry in the area usually prone to traffic slowdowns, incoming drivers created illegal lanes hence blocking oncoming vehicles.

‎‎”Available assessments confirm that the gridlock was caused by traffic indiscipline, with motorists blocking intersections and encroaching on lanes of oncoming traffic especially at the choke points in Mpigi, thereby obstructing right of way in both directions and creating a standstill,” he said.

‎Katumba defended the president saying he has always demonstrated responsibility and adherence to protocols, using designated venues.

In a similar way, State House also issued a statement aligning with the ministry’s explanation, but added that the situation was exacerbated by the heavy downpour that “reduced visibility and compelled some motorists to temporarily park and wait for the storm to subside”.‎‎

The statement written by the Presidential Press Unit, reminded Ugandans that a situation almost similar occured at the same time last year.‎‎

And the Police Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety added to this narrative.‎‎

Its public relations officer, Michael Kananura said that the situation was further worsened by a crash involving “a truck and a lorry” at Lungala that temporarily cut off the road completely, and a broken-down trailer around the Kamengo area.