UNRA reclaims drainage, road reserves from Coin car dealers

The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has intensified efforts to clear road reserves along the Kampala–Jinja Highway as part of a broader initiative to enhance road safety and prevent flooding.

According to Allan Ssempebwa, UNRA’s head of communication, the agency is taking firm steps to ensure that public infrastructure remains safe and accessible, with a specific focus on areas prone to flooding.

One of the main challenges UNRA has tackled is the illegal occupation of road reserves, particularly in Kyambogo, where car dealers had backfilled a crucial drainage channel.

The blocked drainage system led to severe flooding during heavy rains, which disrupted traffic and endangered road users.

"They had backfilled this section of the reserve and even blocked the drainage system. Water had nowhere to go but onto the road," Ssempebwa explained.

UNRA has emphasized the importance of maintaining proper drainage systems, which play a crucial role in preventing road damage and reducing flood risks.

Encroachments onto road reserves, like those by businesses and individuals, not only disrupt these drainage systems but also compromise public safety.

"This is the sanity we are trying to restore along this highway," Ssempebwa stressed, underlining the agency’s commitment to maintaining public infrastructure.

Engagement and Eviction Process

Before embarking on forced evictions, UNRA engaged stakeholders, aiming for a peaceful resolution.

Many car dealers voluntarily vacated the road reserves, understanding the importance of road safety. However, others delayed, prompting UNRA to initiate enforcement operations to clear the area.

“We had delayed pushing people off the road reserves as we wanted to give them time to move voluntarily,” a UNRA official stated.

The delay in clearing the reserves had hindered the contractor from carrying out essential road shoulder improvements, but the enforcement operation eventually paved the way for progress.

Impact on Road Infrastructure

The contractor responsible for upgrading the road shoulders along the Jinja Highway faced significant challenges due to these encroachments. The backfilled drainage channels caused delays and compromised the road’s structural integrity.

UNRA emphasized that road shoulders are critical for ensuring smooth traffic flow and the overall safety of the highway.

Illegal encroachments narrow the road, forcing vehicles to operate in a more confined space, which increases the risk of accidents, particularly during periods of heavy rain.

The blocked drainage channels exacerbate flooding, creating slippery and hazardous road conditions for motorists and pedestrians.

A Call to Action for Road Safety

UNRA’s actions align with directives from the Ministry of Works and Transport, led by Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, who has mandated the removal of all roadside encroachers and vendors.

The public is urged to avoid encroaching on road reserves for the sake of their own safety and that of others.

Protecting road infrastructure from illegal occupations not only ensures safer roads but also reduces the likelihood of accidents and long-term infrastructure damage.

“The protection of roads against accidents should be a shared responsibility. Encroachments narrow the highway, increasing the chances of accidents and forcing people to drive on less space, which is dangerous,” UNRA’s spokesperson noted.

As the clearing operations continue, UNRA remains steadfast in its efforts to keep road reserves free for public use, drainage, and future development.

They have issued numerous warnings, engaged stakeholders, and provided reminders, but will now proceed with clearing as resources allow.

"This exercise is ongoing because we have issued enough warnings, engaged enough, and now it’s time to act," Ssempebwa said.

Clearing road reserves along the Jinja Highway is a crucial step toward ensuring safer roads and better infrastructure.

By addressing flooding risks and maintaining the proper width of the highway, UNRA underscores the importance of responsible use of public spaces and the vital role all stakeholders play in preserving Uganda’s road network.