Police Issue Traffic Plan Ahead of Tomorrow’s 63rd Independence Celebrations at Kololo

As Uganda marks its 63rd Independence Anniversary on 9th October 2025, the Uganda Police Force has released a detailed traffic management plan to ensure smooth movement and heightened security around Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, the official venue for the national celebrations.

The event, expected to attract VVIPs, VIPs, diplomats, and guests from within and outside the country, will see several traffic diversions and cutoffs enforced from 6:00 a.m. until the end of the function.

_{^{According to SP Kananura Michael, PRO-Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, traffic along Jinja Road will remain normal; however, all roads connecting directly to Kololo Ceremonial Grounds will be closed off to the general public.}}

Key diversions and access points include:

• A cutoff at Hotel Africana, where motorists will be diverted to continue on Jinja Road and access Kololo through Lugogo Bypass.
• Upper and Lower Elgon Terrace will only be open to vehicles with VIP stickers, accessing the VIP-NIRA parking area.
• A cutoff at Acher Road junction will divert motorists from Katikati to use Upper Kololo Road to connect to Jinja Road.
• Access from Acacia Avenue via Prince Charles Drive and Mabua Road will be restricted, denying entry toward Upper Kololo Road.
• Traffic along John Babiiha (Acacia) Avenue will flow normally.

Parking Arrangements

• VVIPs and VIPs will park inside the main venue, accessible via Lower Elgon Terrace and Kololo Police Post Gate.
• General public parking has been designated at City High School, Hotel Africana, and the Uganda Management Institute (UMI).

The police have prohibited roadside parking, warning that any vehicle parked or abandoned on the roadside will be towed to the nearest police station at the owner’s expense. Additionally, motorcycles will not be allowed beyond the designated cutoff points.

Kananura urged all motorists and attendees to:

1. Comply with instructions issued by traffic and security officers.
2. Clearly display vehicle stickers for easy identification.
3. Exercise patience and discipline throughout the event.
4. Plan travel early to avoid delays and inconvenience.

The Uganda Police Force emphasised that the measures are aimed at ensuring a peaceful, secure, and well-organised Independence celebration at Kololo.