Uganda police to close Kampala roads for Museveni’s 79th birthday celebrations on Friday

Several roads are set to be closed in Uganda's capital of Kampala on Friday for celebrations to mark President Yoweri Museveni’s 79th birthday.

Kampala Metropolitan Traffic Police Commander, Senior Superintendent Godwin Arinaitwe, issued the traffic directive on Thursday saying the event which will take place at Kololo independence grounds is likely to attract about 100,000 guests.

“We are expecting around 100, 000 guests who will be coming from different parts of the country. We appeal to the guest public to be vigilant but also follow the traffic guidelines we have temporary disruptions to traffic flow,” Arinaitwe was quoted as saying by the Nile Post.

The police chief said the Golf Course traffic lights towards Acacia Avenue would be accessible, but motorists would be barred from using Upper Kololo Terrace, Elgon Terrace and Lower Kololo Terrace which would be preserved for VVIPs.

Road users from Bombo Road have been diverted to Old Kira Road, Lugogo bypass and park at KCCA grounds behind Shoprite while those coming from Jinja Park at UMA showgrounds.

“If you are coming from Entebbe side you can use Kampala Road, Jinja road traffic lights, Lugogo bypass and pass at KCCA grounds. Those coming from Nansana can use Yusuf Lule road, Golf Course traffic lights, Nakumatt, Jinja road traffic lights, Wampeewo roundabout and park at KCCA grounds or UMA show grounds,” stated Arinaitwe.

At the same time, motorists moving from Prince Charles Drive will be diverted through Archer Road Junction up to Jinja Road police station as they join the main road.

The police boss therefore urged road users in the affected regions to follow the traffic advisory in order to avoid inconveniences.

The much-hyped birthday celebrations are said to have been put together by a group of youth, led by the National Coordinator in the Office of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party National Chairman Hadijah Uzeiye Namyalo.

Despite the fete set for September 8, President Museveni’s birthday actually falls a week later on September 15.