The government of Uganda has spoken out following the traffic gridlock witnessed the long Kampala-Masaka road.

The traffic was reportedly caused by President Yoweri Museveni, who allegedly shut down the road with his convoy to speak to residents.

In an official statement released on December 30th, 2025, the Ugandan government dismissed the claims, terming them as misleading information.

“We have taken note of false claims attributing the traffic gridlock experienced last night along the Kampala–Masaka Road to H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s convoy. While delays are regrettable, it is inaccurate and misleading to place responsibility on the President’s convoy,” read part notice.

Government Defends Museveni’s Convoy

According to the government, all over the world, major roads are closed during presidential movements to minimize congestion.

Additionally, a brief and strictly time-limited road closure during presidential movements is a globally accepted standard practice, carefully planned to reduce inconvenience to the public.

“For clarity, very limited and time-bound road closures during presidential movements are standard operating procedures world over and are carefully coordinated to minimize disruption,” read part notice.

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Factors that Led to Traffic Congestion

Several factors that affected traffic jams included the heavy end-of-month traffic, as many motorists were returning from upcountry holidays, poor road discipline by some drivers who failed to respect other road users and create multiple lanes, and a heavy downpour that reduced visibility and compelled some motorists to temporarily park and wait for the storm to subside.

The government also cited that significant overnight delays occurred at the same time last year, when there were no presidential campaigns in districts along the route.

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Government Message to the Public

The government urged the public to consider the full context of such situations and to exercise patience and responsible road use, especially during periods of heavy traffic and adverse weather conditions.

“It is therefore incorrect to politicize and wrongly attribute this unfortunate event.”

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Uganda public notice following traffic jam along Kampala-Masaka road. PHOTO/MH X