A section of the Kampala-Masaka highway has sunk due to heavy rains, causing heavy traffic along the highway leaving motorists stranded in traffic jam for hours.
Uganda Police, in a statement made by SP Michael Kananura, the Community Liaison Officer and Public Relations Officer Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, on April 21, 2024, appealed to motorists to exercise utmost discipline and patience while accessing the highway.
According to Kananura, the section of the road that sank was located between Kyengera and Budo Junction around Hass Petrol Station.
Kananura also advised motorists to use the diversions available, which include the Nakawuka Road (Budo Junction) or Kitemu to access the Kampala-Masaka Highway for motorists from Kampala to Masaka; Mityana Road (Buloba-Nsangi) for motorists from Masaka to Kampala; and Kitemu or Budo-Nakawuka for motorists from Masaka to Kampala.
The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), on the other hand, said that the highway is closed to traffic and that they are monitoring the situation of road damage. It urged road users to exercise caution while approaching this section as they undertake the necessary safety measures.
Kampala Masaka Highway has over the past years faced similar challenges of sections of the road being cut off due to heavy rains and floods, which affect transport fares and the flow of traffic on the highway.