Prolonged traffic disruption along the Kampala–Masaka Road on Tuesday left thousands of motorists stranded for hours, with some forced to spend the night on the highway, sparking widespread public anger and political debate over responsibility for the chaos.
The congestion, which began at about 1:00 p.m., affected traffic in both directions between Mpigi and Kamengo, paralysing movement on one of Uganda’s busiest transport corridors.
Motorists said a journey that normally takes about two hours stretched deep into the night with little or no movement.
Several road users reported that the situation was worsened by the mechanical breakdown of a Sino truck at a narrow section of the road, significantly slowing traffic and triggering long queues that extended for kilometres.
Police later intervened, deploying a helicopter to assess bottlenecks and issuing traffic diversions in an effort to manage the situation.
The Deputy Director of Traffic, Norman Musinga, coordinated traffic operations on the ground as officers attempted to ease congestion and restore order.
Traffic Police spokesperson Michael Kananura said the situation had improved, although traffic was still moving slowly.
“All efforts are underway to sort the heavy traffic congestion in Mpigi. We urge motorists to remain calm and patient,” Kananura said.
Motorists heading to Kampala were diverted to use the Kasanje–Nakawuka route, while those travelling to Masaka were advised to use the Gomba–Sembabule route.
Police urged drivers to comply with officers’ directives to ensure safety and smoother traffic flow.
Despite the intervention, several motorists said they spent hours, and in some cases the entire night, stuck on the road without food, water or access to basic facilities.
“We are stuck in a traffic jam at 3:00 a.m. on Masaka Road starting from Kamengo,” tweeted Emma Wasswa.
Another traveller, Sam Wenyine, said vehicles were blocked for more than three hours between Kamengo and Mpigi, with no movement in either direction.
Frustration among drivers led to dangerous behaviour, with some motorists creating multiple lanes in an attempt to escape the gridlock.
“Drivers were moving like it’s a rally, with near head-on collisions back to back,” said Jacky Tahakanizibwa, who warned motorists against reckless driving.
Some travellers attributed the congestion to presidential activities in Mpigi. “People spent the whole night there in one place. No food. No toilet,” tweeted Brian Ntale.
Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, blamed the traffic jam on what he described as disruptions caused by President Museveni’s campaign activities in the area.
In a statement, Kyagulanyi said motorists spent up to 20 hours on the road after sections of the highway were blocked.
“Nobody should have the right to inconvenience citizens in this manner,” Kyagulanyi said, raising concerns about patients and emergency cases caught in the traffic. He described the incident as a failure of leadership and governance.
Authorities said traffic was expected to normalise fully once stalled vehicles were cleared and diversions fully took effect.
The Kampala–Masaka Road is a critical transport corridor linking the capital to western and southwestern Uganda, and prolonged disruptions along the highway often carry significant economic and social consequences.
