The Uganda Police Force has created alternative routes for pilgrims and travelers ahead of the annual Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations on Monday, June 3, 2024.
According to a statement by Patrick Onyango, the Kampala Metropolitan spokesperson, on May, 29, 2024, the measures aim to ensure smooth traffic flow at the main venues of Namungongo Catholic Martyrs Shrine, Anglican Martyrs Shrine, and Mamre International Prayer Centre.
“Today security agencies had an on-site meeting at the Anglican Worship Centre to plan for June 3, 2024, security and resolved that starting tonight the road from Kyaliwajjala to Sonde be reserved for pedestrians only and all motorists be diverted,” Onyango stated.
Onyango noted that motorists using Seeta-Sonde Road will be diverted at the Catholic Mbalwa Road junction, coming out at Agenda 2000.
Motorists from Nalya to Kyaliwajjala will be diverted at the Kyaliwajjala junction, and they will use Semambro Road.
Motorists from Kireka to Kyaliwajjala will be diverted at Agenda 2000, and they will use Mbalwa Road.
He said that motorists from Jinja heading to Capital City should drive directly to the city centre, noting that they should not use Seeta-Namugongo Road.
He further noted that the diversion will be in place up to June 3, 2024, and advised those concerned to plan their journey early as there is expected to be heavy traffic around the areas of Namugongo.
Speaking about the same event Michael Kananura, the Traffic Police spokesperson, reported that most pilgrimages have arrived safely, but cautioned motorists to drive considerately on the roads being used by pilgrims to avoid accidents.
“In the past two weeks, we have escorted thousands of foot pilgrims from different parts of the country ahead of the 3rd June Uganda Martyrs Day Celebrations at Namugongo, slated for Monday next week. Traffic police officers have escorted, guided, and given morale to the pilgrims, who have walked hundreds of kilometres to reach Namugongo. Today, the majority of the pilgrims have arrived at Namugongo safely, while others are still arriving in Kampala. We, therefore, would like to caution motorists to drive considerately on roads used by pilgrims to avoid any unfortunate incidents like crashes,” he urged.
He further noted that police are committed to ensuring that all pilgrims reach their destination safely and leave Kampala next week without any major difficulties on the roads.
Martyrs’ Day attracts millions of pilgrims to Namugongo each year, with many coming from beyond Uganda, which has continued to cause congestion in and around the area.
