Security and Traffic Plans in Place for Martyrs Day Celebrations
Roads around Namugongo have been closed and traffic diverted ahead of the June 3rd Martyrs Day to manage the influx of pilgrims and ensure security. Key routes have been designated for pedestrians or rerouted for motorists. Patrick Onyango, Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, advised early travel planning to avoid congestion.
Some roads have been closed ahead of the June 3rd Martyrs Day. This was resolved on Wednesday in a meeting of security agencies held at the Anglican Shrine.
According to the plan, the road from Kyaliwajjala, Namugongo Division, in Kira Municipality to Sonde, in Goma Division in Mukono Municipality, has been reserved for pedestrians only and all motorists have been diverted. Motorists using Seeta – Sonde Road have been diverted to Mbalwa Road junction and will exit at Agenda 2000.
Motorists from Naalya to Kyaliwajjala have been diverted at Kyaliwajjala junction and they will use Semambo Road. Motorists from Kireka to Kyaliwajjala have been diverted at Agenda 2000 and they will use Mbalwa Road. Motorists from Jinja heading to the Capital City should drive directly to the City centre and should not use Seeta – Namugongo Road.
On Wednesday hundreds of pilgrims from Nebbi Diocese, which is animating this year’s celebrations arrived causing congestion on the roads. They were joined by pilgrims from the districts of Mbarara, Ibanda, Kabale, and Masindi.
Patrick Onyango, the Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, urged all drivers to plan their journey early enough since the roads where diversions have been made will be congested.
“The diversion will be in place up to 3 June. Plan your journey early as we expect traffic jams around the areas of Namugongo. We apologize for any inconveniences caused by these diversions,” Onyango said.
More diversions are expected to be announced by Friday as many will be turned into one-way routes. Police are also expected to announce the stickers which will be used by invited persons, politicians, the clergy, visitors, and service providers.
Security has warned traders as well as the pilgrims to be very careful as acts of pickpocketing, snatching, and simple robbery tend to be on the rise on the last days of Martyrs Day.
So far, 60 suspected criminals have been arrested in the ongoing security operations in Namugongo and neighboring areas.
