KAMPALA, UGANDA: 30 December 2025– The Ministry of Works and Transport has moved to clarify the causes of severe traffic congestion along the Kampala–Masaka Highway, specifically within the Mpigi section, dismissing claims that the gridlock was linked to the activities of President Yoweri Museveni.
Travellers were forced to spend more than 12 hours on the busy road connecting the biggest part Western Region to the capital, with others spending the night on the road due to the nasty gridlock. The road rage quickly spread to social media as different sections of the public expressed fury over this inconvenience.
In a formal statement released today, December 30, 2025, the Minister of Works and Transport, Hon. Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, addressed reports circulating online that alleged road closures on Monday were implemented to facilitate political activities of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni who held campaigns in the area.
The Ministry categorically dismissed these claims, asserting that the President adheres to strict protocols and conducts public engagements only at designated venues. Instead, official assessments pointed toward human error and poor driving behavior as the primary culprits.
Earlier, State House claimed that while presidential movements do involve road closures, these are “very limited and time-bound” standard operating procedures designed to minimize disruption. In another statement, State House emphasized that it is inaccurate to blame these coordinated security protocols for the extreme congestion experienced by motorists.
According to the statement, the standstill was caused by: Traffic Indiscipline: Motorists blocking key intersections.
The mess was also attributed to Lane Invasion: Drivers encroaching into oncoming lanes at “choke points” in Mpigi.
And finally, Obstruction: Refusal to yield, which resulted in a total obstruction of the right of way in both directions.
Security Response
To manage the situation, the Uganda Police Traffic Directorate has deployed both aerial surveillance and ground officers. Their current focus is identifying gridlock points and restoring lane discipline. The Ministry reports that traffic flow is now “steadily improving” following these interventions.
While acknowledging that heavy traffic is common during the festive season, Gen. Katumba Wamala emphasized that the severity of the recent congestion was avoidable.
”We call upon motorists to ensure orderly driving, respect for lane discipline, and compliance with traffic officers’ directions,” the Minister stated, urging road users to remain patient and organized for the remainder of the holiday period.
The Ministry concluded by wishing Ugandans a safe conclusion to their festive celebrations, while maintaining a firm stance on the need for better road etiquette to prevent future stalemates.
