Hundreds of motorists traveling along the Masaka- Kampala Highway were on Monday evening left in shock after spending more than 12 hours stuck in heavy traffic congestion in Mpigi, along the highway.
According to several travellers who got stuck in the massive traffic jam, the gridlock started on Monday afternoon throughout the night into Tuesday morning as number of people attempted to return to the city centre from Christmas festivities.
However a number of the stranded travellers have taken to social media to blame the gridlock on President Museveni’s rallies held in Butambala and Mpigi on Monday arguing that roadside campaigns worsened the heavy traffic.
“The Ministry of Works and Transport and the Police can’t tell you the cause of the Mpigi traffic gridlock. People have spent over 12 hours on the road, covering less than 2km. Museveni closed off all roads for hours and sat in the middle of the main road for a rally. Uganda!” Wilfred Businge posted on X.
National Unity Platform (NUP) spokesman Joel Ssenyonyi posted, “Aside from his rally in Mpigi yesterday which caused the closure of roads and disrupted traffic, he also sat right in the middle of the road to speak to people while a very busy road was closed on both ends.”
Kalungu West Member of Parliament Hon. Joseph Ssewungu posted, “Uganda is a failed state people are still stranded in Mpigi due to blockage of traffic by Museveni and heavy traffic. For the past 40 years had he improved the road network we wouldn’t have got to this. But tell Police that HE Bobi Wine is here you will see how swift they are”.
However, 360newsUG couldn’t independently verify these allegations nor has traffic Police given a reason for the overnight stay of passengers along the highway.
The Traffic Police spokesperson SP Michael kananura has in a notice posted on Tuesday morning urged all motorists using the road to comply with officers’ directives for smooth traffic flow & safety
“Due to heavy traffic congestion in Mpigi, motorists heading to Kampala have been diverted to use the Kasanje–Nakawuka route, while those heading to Masaka have been diverted to use the Gomba–Sembabule route” he said.
The Ministry of Works & Transport has expressed regret over the delays caused and urge motorists to keep in the lane to avoid further disruption.
“Dear motorists, the existing travel Alternatives including the Mpigi—Kasanje—Nakawuka to Entebbe/Kampala [for traffic heading to Kampala] and Mpigi— Kanoni — Gomba—Ssembabule—Villamaria [for traffic heading to Masaka] are beginning to offer some traffic relief”.
The ministry further noted that alternatively, from Mpigi, one can divert to Kasanje and use the Ferry at Nakiwogo to Entebbe/Kampala.
By the time of this publication, a number of travellers were still finding their way through the Jam along one of the country’s busiest highways.
