By Karim Were
Residents of Kampala should prepare for major traffic disruptions and heightened security operations as Uganda gears up for President Yoweri Museveni’s swearing-in ceremony scheduled for May 12 at Kololo Independence Grounds.
Security agencies say the scale of the event, which is expected to host more than 35 heads of state and tens of thousands of guests, has prompted extensive deployment of police and military personnel across the city and surrounding areas.
Police spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke said authorities have finalized security and traffic management plans aimed at ensuring the ceremony proceeds without incident. The operation will involve tactical response units, rapid intervention teams, and static security deployments stationed at strategic locations within and outside Kampala.
According to police, motorists should expect intermittent road closures and diversions, especially along routes designated for visiting dignitaries and official convoys. Access to Kololo Independence Grounds will be tightly controlled, with John Babiha Avenue (Acacia Avenue) reserved mainly for invited guests and foreign delegations.
Several major roads are expected to experience restrictions, including Yusuf Lule Road, Ssezibwa Road, Acacia Avenue, and sections of Entebbe Road leading from the airport. Security agencies also identified Munyonyo Spur, Wampeewo Avenue, Salama Road, and Buziga Road among the areas likely to face temporary closures.
Around Kololo, motorists will be redirected at key junctions, including Wampeewo Roundabout, while designated parking areas will be set up at UMI and Phaneroo Grounds. Additional access controls are expected near Kati-Kati Restaurant, City Oil, and sections of Kira Road.
Despite the restrictions, police said the Entebbe Expressway and Northern Bypass will remain accessible to the public, although temporary diversions may be introduced when VIP convoys are passing through.
Authorities have appealed for patience and cooperation from the public during the period of heightened security, assuring residents that the deployments are precautionary measures ahead of one of Uganda’s largest state ceremonies.
President Museveni, who secured 71.6 percent of the vote in the January 15 presidential election, will officially begin another five-year term during t
he ceremony at Kololo.
