Namugongo is boiling with frustration from residents who say the new traffic restrictions have straight-up locked them out of their own homes. Police rolled out a new traffic plan to control the crowds expected on June 3, but people living in Namugongo and surrounding areas aren’t feeling the love.
Instead, they’re stranded, stressed, and totally over it.
“All access routes leading to my home (behind the Namugongo Catholic Shrine) are blocked by SFC soldiers and Police. Where do you expect us to sleep?” one deeply irritated resident vented to the Monitor.
According to police, the restrictions are meant to “streamline movement” and ensure safety. But for locals, it’s turned daily life into an extreme obstacle course.
Traffic Chaos in Summary:
- Kireka to Kyaliwajjala: One-way heading toward the venue.
- Kyaliwajjala–Naalya: One-way back toward Kyaliwajjala.
- Kyaliwajjala to the Catholic Shrine: Reserved strictly for pedestrians (keep right!). The left side? VVIPS and ambulances only.
- VIPs: Red sticker holders park at Namugongo Boarding Primary School (via Ssemambo Road).
- Protestant VIPs: Use Butto–Kyobe Road.
- Foreign pilgrims: Drop off at Kyaliwajjala, then hike or park at Vienna College.
- Medical crews: Only green sticker vehicles allowed.
- Service providers: Must arrive before midnight on June 3—latecomers? Sorry, gates closed.
- Designated public parking: Hillside Nursery & Primary, Kiira Town Council playground, and Kiira Mayor’s garden.
- NO parking at the actual shrines. Unauthorized bodas and taxis? Impounded—no discussions.
TL;DR? If you don’t have a sticker, a pass, or the patience of a saint, stay home or prepare to walk… a lot.
Mr. Michael Kananura, the Community Liaison Officer from the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, isn’t sugarcoating anything. “Vehicles abandoned on restricted roads will be towed—and yes, you’ll pay for it,” he said.
He’s asking motorists to stay calm, obey traffic police, and plan ahead. But for many Namugongo folks, it feels like they’re paying the price just for living around.
As pilgrims flood in and the roads lock down, the prayers might need to include one for “access to our gates.”
