State House has dismissed claims that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s convoy caused the severe traffic gridlock that paralysed sections of the Kampala–Masaka Road in Mpigi, describing the allegations as false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, State House said while the delays experienced by motorists were regrettable, it was inaccurate to attribute them to the President’s movements.
“We have taken note of false claims attributing the traffic gridlock experienced last night along the Kampala–Masaka Road to H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s convoy,” the statement read. “Very limited and time-bound road closures during Presidential movements are standard operating procedures world over and are carefully coordinated to minimise disruption.”
According to the State House, the congestion was caused by a combination of factors, including heavy end-of-month traffic as motorists returned from upcountry holidays, poor road discipline that saw drivers creating illegal multiple lanes, and a heavy downpour that reduced visibility and forced some motorists to temporarily stop.
State House also noted that similar overnight traffic delays were recorded along the same route last year during the same period, when there were no presidential campaigns in districts along the road. It cautioned against politicising the incident and urged the public to exercise patience and responsible road use, especially during adverse weather conditions.
The Uganda Police Force backed the State House position, with Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety spokesperson SP Michael Kananura saying the President had no connection to the gridlock in Mpigi.
“It is not true that the President of Uganda had any connection with the traffic jam in Mpigi along the Masaka–Kampala highway,” Kananura said, attributing the congestion to a high volume of vehicles travelling from Masaka toward Kampala and indiscipline among motorists who blocked the opposite lane.
Police said the situation was further worsened by a crash involving a truck and a lorry at Lungala, which temporarily cut off the road, as well as a broken-down trailer around the Kamengo area. Traffic officers later towed away the obstructing vehicles and restored order.
ACP Norman Musinga, the Acting Deputy Director of Traffic and Road Safety, confirmed that normal traffic flow had since been restored.
However, opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, blamed the gridlock on President Museveni’s campaign activities in Mpigi. In a social media post, Kyagulanyi said sections of the road were blocked for hours as the President addressed supporters, turning a journey that normally takes about two hours into one lasting close to 20 hours.
He criticised what he described as the inconvenience caused to citizens, particularly those travelling with patients and emergencies, and called for leadership that prioritises public welfare.
Authorities continue to urge motorists to maintain road discipline and follow traffic guidance during peak travel periods.
