Ugandans should expect major traffic changes and heightened security across Kampala tomorrow as President Yoweri Museveni is sworn in for a seventh term in office at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
The ceremony is expected to attract at least 35 Heads of State, senior government officials, diplomats, invited guests, and thousands of attendees, prompting heavy deployment of security personnel and strict movement controls around the city.
The Uganda Police Force says all security and traffic management plans have now been finalized, with tactical units, traffic officers, rapid response teams, and static guards already positioned along key routes leading to Kololo.
Tight Security Screening at Kololo
Access to Kololo Ceremonial Grounds will be tightly controlled throughout the day.
All guests, including VIPs, accredited service providers, and members of the public, will undergo mandatory security screening before entering the venue. Officials say guests must follow seating and access instructions indicated on their invitation cards and accreditation details.
Invited guests are expected to use John Babiha Road (Acacia Avenue) through the Elgon Terrace entrance, commonly known as Heroes Corner Gate.
Police have warned that several roads surrounding Kololo will only be accessible to vehicles carrying valid accreditation stickers or special clearance.
Roads With Restricted Access
Motorists should expect heavy restrictions on roads leading directly to Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
The affected roads include:
- Ssezibwa Road
- Golf Course traffic lights area
- John Babiha Road (Acacia Avenue) heading to Kololo
Only accredited vehicles will be allowed through these routes.
Official Routes for Visiting Heads of State
Security agencies have designated special routes for visiting dignitaries arriving from Entebbe International Airport and Munyonyo.
From Entebbe Airport, official convoys will use:
- Entebbe Expressway
- Northern Bypass
- Yusuf Lule Road to Kololo
Convoys from Munyonyo will use:
- Munyonyo Spur
- Northern Bypass
- Yusuf Lule Road to Kololo
Motorists using these areas should expect temporary traffic stoppages whenever presidential or VVIP convoys are passing.
Major Diversions Around Kololo
Police have also announced several diversions near the venue to reduce congestion and tighten security.
- At Wampewo Roundabout, motorists will not be allowed to connect to Wampewo Avenue and will instead be redirected towards Jinja Road.
- At Fairway Hotel traffic lights, only VVIP vehicles with red accreditation stickers will access Acacia Avenue.
- At Katikati Restaurant area, the general public will be diverted towards Lugogo via Jinja Road.
- At City Oil on Acacia Road, motorists from Old Kira Road and Mawanda Road will be redirected towards Mulago traffic lights.
Where the Public Should Park
Police have advised the public to avoid parking near Kololo unless properly accredited.
Designated parking areas for the public include:
- City High School
- Phaneroo Grounds
- Uganda Management Institute (UMI)
- Millennium Grounds
Meanwhile:
- Members of Parliament will park at Parliament.
- NRM Secretariat officials will park at the NRM Kyadondo offices.
Authorities have warned that vehicles parked in unauthorized areas will be towed at the owner’s expense.
Expressway and Northern Bypass to Remain Open
Despite the tight security, the Entebbe Expressway and Northern Bypass will remain open to the public.
However, police say temporary diversions may be introduced at several junctions depending on convoy movement and traffic pressure. These areas include:
- Mpala
- Kisubi
- Kajjansi Flyover
- Lubowa–Zana
- Serena–Kigo
- Mutungo–Kitiko
- Busabala traffic lights
- Munyonyo Roundabout
Police Advisory to Motorists
The Uganda Police Force is urging motorists to plan journeys early, cooperate with traffic officers, and avoid unnecessary movement around Kololo and major city routes during the ceremony.
Authorities are also cautioning drivers against reckless driving and ignoring temporary diversions, saying strict enforcement measures will be in place throughout the swearing-in event.
