As Uganda prepares to mark its 63rd Independence Anniversary on October 9, 2025, at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, the Uganda Police has unveiled a comprehensive traffic management plan aimed at ensuring safety, order, and smooth vehicular movement during the national event.
The celebrations, expected to attract VVIPs, VIPs, diplomats, and invited guests from within and outside the country, will come with major traffic restrictions and diversions in and around Kololo.
According to Michael Kananura, spokesperson for the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, several access roads to Kololo Ceremonial Grounds will be cut off starting at 6:00 AM on the day of the event.
While general traffic flow along Jinja Road will remain unaffected, connecting roads leading to Kololo will be closed to unauthorized vehicles.
Hotel Africana will serve as a key cutoff point, for motorists being redirected to use Lugogo Bypass to approach Kololo.
Kananura said only vehicles bearing VIP stickers will be allowed access via Upper and Lower Elgon Terrace to the designated VIP-NIRA parking area.
Acher Road junction will be closed to traffic coming from Katikati, with diversions routed through Upper Kololo Road. Similarly, access from Acacia Avenue toward Upper Kololo Road via Prince Charles Drive and Mabua Road will be denied.
“Motorcycles will not be allowed beyond these cut-off points,” Kananura emphasized.
John Babiiha Avenue, however, will remain open and unaffected by the changes.
For parking, VVIPs and VIPs will be accommodated within the main venue, accessible via Lower Elgon Terrace and Kololo Police Post gate. Members of the general public attending the celebrations will be directed to park at City High School, Hotel Africana, and Uganda Management Institute (UMI).
Kananura also issued a stern warning against illegal parking along the roadsides.
“Vehicles found parked or abandoned along the restricted areas will be towed at the owner’s expense to the nearest police station,” he said.
To ensure a safe and seamless event, the police are calling on the public and invited guests to adhere strictly to traffic guidelines and cooperate with officers on duty.
“Display your vehicle stickers clearly for easy identification, plan your journeys early to avoid delays, and above all, exercise patience and discipline,” Kananura urged.
The traffic diversions will remain in effect until the end of the Independence Day function.
