As Uganda prepares to commemorate the annual Uganda Martyrs Day on June 3, 2022, the police have issued traffic guidelines to ensure the smooth flow of vehicles and people during the celebrations.
The traffic commander for Kampala Metropolitan Police, Rogers Kawuma Nsereko outlined restricted access points to Namugongo during a media briefing on Monday. Taxi stages along Namugongo Road, Kyaliwajala Trading Center, Sonde, and Nalya have been prohibited as part of the traffic flow plan.
Any taxis found operating at these prohibited stages will be impounded, and drivers will face penalties. Abandoned vehicles along designated roads will also be towed at the owner’s expense.
The Jinja-Kampala highway traffic flow will not be affected, while the Kireka-Kyaliwajala road will only be accessible for vehicles heading to Namugongo shrines. Vehicles with appropriate stickers carrying VIPs will be permitted to access the parking area at the Basilica and the Protestant church. Foreign pilgrims visiting the Basilica will be dropped off at the Kyaliwajala trading center, while their vehicles will be parked at Vienna College School.
Pilgrims en route to the Mamre International Prayer Center can access the venue through Bweoyogerere, Butto, Kyobe, and Janda roads, following the traffic police’s parking instructions. Similarly, members of the Muslim community traveling to Namugongo Mosques should proceed via Bweyogerere Buto Road and park adjacent to the mosque.
Restricted access areas include Bwoyogerere trading center, Agenda 2000, Kiratown council roundabout, Seeta trading center, Naalya roundabout, and Namugongo Ssemambo road. There will be no public parking available at both the Catholic church and Church of Uganda church.
These traffic guidelines will take effect from 3 am on June 3, 2022, in preparation for the annual event commemorating the 45 young men who embraced Christianity between 1885 and 1887 despite the disapproval of Kabaka Mwanga II of Buganda.
In response, Kabaka Mwanga II ordered their execution by burning. The authorities have urged members of the public attending the celebrations to adhere to these guidelines to ensure a successful and safe event.
