The government has initiated a stakeholder dialogue to tackle worsening traffic and safety concerns along the Ntinda–Nakawa Road corridor, a vital artery in Kampala’s transport network.
The Ministry of Works and Transport on Monday convened business owners, city authorities, and police at a high-level meeting aimed at harmonising traffic flow with commercial activity on the busy stretch commonly known as “the Stretcher.”
The engagement, chaired by Minister of State for Transport Fred Byamukama, brought together logistics and distribution companies operating in the area, along with officials from Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and the Uganda Police Force.
“We are committed to finding a sustainable balance between supporting business operations and ensuring the safety of all road users,” said Byamukama.
Participants raised concerns about congestion, unsafe parking practices, and the growing pressure that commercial activity is exerting on the corridor.
Businesses reportedly use parts of the road as informal parking and offloading points, creating hazards and bottlenecks during peak hours.
According to the ministry, the Monday meeting is the first in a series of engagements.
A follow-up session will include the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), with a focus on how to streamline business operations while reducing road use disruptions and improving logistics efficiency.
The Ntinda–Nakawa corridor links residential areas and industrial zones, serving both commuter and cargo traffic.
Authorities believe that collaborative solutions, including designated delivery zones, improved signage, and revised loading protocols, can reduce friction between transport and trade interests.
“This is not about stopping businesses from operating,” a ministry official noted after the meeting.
“It’s about ensuring that everyone uses the road space responsibly so that trade can thrive without putting lives at risk.”
The Ministry of Works and KCCA are also expected to review infrastructure along the stretch to determine where physical upgrades, such as expanded lay-bys or clear lane demarcations, may support better flow and safer usage.
Byamukama said government is committed to inclusive urban mobility that reflects both economic and safety imperatives.
“We recognise that businesses are vital to the city’s economy, but we must also ensure that the road serves the public good. These discussions are just the beginning.”