Security agencies have warned of traffic disruptions and heightened security across Kampala ahead of President Yoweri Museveni’s swearing-in for a new five-year term at Kololo Independence Grounds.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said comprehensive security and traffic management plans have been finalised to ensure the orderly conduct of the ceremony scheduled for Monday, May 11.
Tactical response teams, rapid intervention units, and static security personnel from all security agencies will be deployed extensively within Kampala and other strategic districts.
“We shall deploy within Kampala Metropolitan areas and outside key districts,” Rusoke said. “The public should not be alarmed when they notice heightened security presence.”
The deployments will, however, lead to restricted access and traffic interruptions on major roads leading to Kololo Independence Grounds. John Babiha Avenue, commonly known as Acacia Avenue, will be restricted to invited guests and heads of state, with entry to Kololo facilitated via Elgon Terrace as indicated on invitation cards.
Other roads that will be intermittently restricted for the general public include Ssezibwa Road, Yusuf Lule Road, Entebbe Road from the airport, Munyonyo Spur, Wampeewo Avenue, Salama Road, and Buziga Road.
Inauguration rehearsals
Around Kololo, access at Wampeewo roundabout will be restricted, with vehicles diverted via Jinja Road to parking areas at UMI and Phaneroo Grounds. Additional restrictions will apply near Kati-Kati, City Oil, and along Kira Road.
“Entebbe Expressway and the Northern Bypass will remain open, but traffic officers will implement diversions where necessary at flyovers such as Mpala, Kisubi, and Kajansi,” Rusoke added.
The swearing-in ceremony is expected to draw at least 35 heads of state delegations and between 30,000 and 40,000 attendees, including national and international guests.
President Museveni, who was declared winner of the January 15th presidential elections with 7,946,772 votes (71.6%), first assumed power after the 1986 guerrilla war.
