Police have released a detailed traffic management plan ahead of the country’s 63rd Independence Day celebrations scheduled for Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
According to the statement issued by SP Michael Kananura, the PRO for the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, the plan aims to ensure smooth traffic flow and enhanced security during the event, which is expected to attract VVIPS, VIPs, diplomats, and invited guests from within and outside Uganda.
“To ensure smooth traffic flow and enhanced security during the celebrations, a number of cutoffs, diversions, and parking arrangements have been put in place,” SP Kananura said in the statement released on Wednesday.
Under the new traffic plan, roads connecting directly to the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds will be cut off, although traffic along Jinja Road will flow normally.
Motorists heading to Kololo will be diverted at Hotel Africana to proceed along Jinja Road and access Kololo via Lugogo Bypass.
Access will be restricted to only vehicles with VIP stickers through Upper and Lower Elgon Terrace to the VIP–NIRA parking area.
Other diversions include cutoff points at Acher Road junction, Prince Charles Drive, and Mabua Road, all meant to regulate entry toward the ceremonial grounds. However, traffic along John Babiiha Avenue will remain unaffected.
In terms of parking, VVIPs and VIPs will access designated areas at the main venue through Lower Elgon Terrace and Kololo Police Post Gate, while the general public will park at City High School, Hotel Africana, and Uganda Management Institute (UMI).
SP Kananura cautioned motorists against illegal parking along the roads near Kololo, warning that any vehicle found parked or abandoned will be towed at the owner’s cost to the nearest police station.
“Parking along the roads is strictly prohibited. Vehicles found parked or abandoned on the roadside will be towed at the owner’s cost,” he emphasized.
The diversions will take effect from 6:00 a.m. on October 9 until the end of the function, and motorcycles will not be allowed beyond the cutoff points.
SP Kananura urged the public and invited guests to follow all traffic and security officers’ instructions, display vehicle stickers clearly, and exercise patience and discipline throughout the celebrations.
“We urge the public to plan their journeys in advance to avoid delays or inconveniences and to cooperate with our officers to ensure a peaceful and successful Independence celebration,” Kananura said.
