As Uganda prepares to mark one of its most significant religious events, the Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations scheduled for 3rd June 2025, the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety has issued a comprehensive traffic advisory to ensure smooth movement of pilgrims and dignitaries to Namugongo.
Speaking on behalf of the Uganda Police, SP Michael Kananura, the Chief Licensing Officer at the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, urged all road users to strictly adhere to the traffic guidelines issued for the day. He emphasized that the measures, which will take effect from 3:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Martyrs Day, are intended to ensure safety and order during the massive pilgrimage.
Key Traffic Routes and Access Points
According to SP Kananura, the Jinja–Kampala Highway will maintain its usual flow, but several routes around Namugongo will be subject to special traffic controls. “The Kireka–Kyaliwajjala road will operate as a one-way for vehicles heading to the venue, while traffic from Naalya Interchange to Kyaliwajjala will also be one-way in the direction of Kyaliwajjala,” he stated.
Within Kyaliwajjala Trading Centre, a clear division will be enforced for pedestrian and emergency movements. “Pedestrians must keep to the right side, while the left will be exclusively reserved for VVIPs and emergency vehicles,” Kananura explained.
Sticker System and Parking Guidelines
A color-coded sticker system has been introduced to streamline access and parking:
Red Stickers: VIPs heading to the Catholic Church via Ssemambo Road will park at Namugongo Boarding Primary School.
Blue Stickers: Foreign pilgrims to the Catholic Basilica will be dropped off at Kyaliwajjala Trading Centre and their vehicles will park at Vienna College.
Green Stickers: Medical service vehicles, which must be clearly marked, will have designated access for emergency response.
Purple Stickers: Service providers to the Catholic Church must access via St. Kizito Lwanga Road before midnight. “No service vehicles will be allowed beyond midnight,” emphasized SP Kananura.
VVIPs and VIPs heading to the Protestant Church are required to use the Bweyogerere–Butto–Kyobe road, with parking allocated at the Protestant Church Farm. Pilgrims to Mamre International Prayer Centre will also use this same route.
Public Parking and General Restrictions
Pilgrims from different regions have been assigned specific parking areas:
From the Northern Bypass: Hillside Nursery and Primary School
From Ntinda, Kiwatule, Najjera, Kasangati: Kiira Town Council Playground and Kiira Municipal Council Mayor’s Garden
From the Eastern Route to the Protestant Church: Seeta–Sonde–Bweyogerere–Kyobe Road, with parking at the Church Farm
SP Kananura warned that no parking will be allowed for the general public at either the Catholic or Protestant churches, and that vehicles or motorcycles without the appropriate stickers will be stopped at cutoff points. “Taxi stages at Kyaliwajjala, Sonde Road, Namugongo, and Naalya will be temporarily prohibited, and any taxi found at these stages will be impounded,” he warned.
Enforcement and Penalties
The Traffic Directorate has issued a stern warning against abandoning vehicles on designated routes. “Any vehicle left unattended along the route will be towed at the owner’s cost and will attract penalties,” said SP Kananura.
Final Word to Pilgrims and Road Users
In his concluding remarks, SP Kananura appealed to all road users to exercise discipline, patience, and to cooperate with traffic officers.
“We urge all motorists to follow instructions from traffic officers and plan their journeys well in advance to avoid unnecessary delays. Let us work together to ensure a peaceful and joyous Martyrs Day celebration.”
For inquiries and emergency assistance, the public is advised to use the toll-free numbers 0800199099 or 0779 999 999.
