Government authorities have moved swiftly to dismiss claims that President Yoweri Museveni’s campaign activities were responsible for the severe traffic congestion that crippled the Kampala–Masaka highway at the start of the week.
The traffic jam began on Monday evening and extended for close to 50 kilometres on both sides of the Mpigi junction, trapping motorists for hours and in some cases overnight. Traffic only returned to normal flow around midday on Tuesday, causing frustration among commuters and long-distance travelers.
Soon after the incident, reports circulated alleging that the gridlock was linked to the president’s campaign tour in the greater Mpigi area, with suggestions that roadside addresses to crowds disrupted movement along the busy highway.
These claims were rejected by the Minister of Works and Transport, Gen Katumba Wamala, who stated that preliminary assessments pointed to traffic indiscipline as the main trigger. He explained that traffic volumes were already unusually high due to people returning to the city after the Christmas holidays.
Gen Katumba said impatient drivers ignored traffic rules by creating illegal lanes, blocking junctions, and driving into lanes meant for oncoming vehicles. This behavior, especially at known choke points in Mpigi, effectively blocked traffic in both directions and brought movement to a halt.
He further defended President Museveni, emphasizing that the president consistently follows set protocols during public engagements and uses designated venues that do not interfere with traffic or public safety.
State House supported the ministry’s findings, adding that heavy rainfall played a significant role in worsening the situation. According to the statement, poor visibility caused by the downpour forced some motorists to stop along the road, further escalating the congestion.
Police traffic authorities also confirmed that the gridlock was intensified by incidents on the road, including an accident involving a truck and a lorry at Lungala and a broken-down trailer near Kamengo, both of which temporarily blocked the highway and turned congestion into total paralysis.
