As Uganda prepares to celebrate its 63rd Independence Anniversary on 9th October 2025, the Uganda Police Force has released an important traffic management plan to ensure smooth movement and safety for all. The national celebrations will be held at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, an event expected to attract VVIPs, VIPs, diplomats, and other invited guests from both within and outside the country.
According to the police statement issued on 19th May 2025 by SP Kananura Michael, the Public Relations Officer of the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, several roads around Kololo will experience temporary cut-offs and diversions. These changes are aimed at enhancing security and avoiding unnecessary congestion during the celebrations.
Traffic along Jinja Road will flow normally, but roads connecting directly to Kololo Ceremonial Grounds will be restricted. There will be key cut-off points at Hotel Africana, Upper and Lower Elgon Terrace, Prince Charles Drive, Mabua Road, and Acher Road Junction. Motorists from Katikati using Upper Kololo Road will not be allowed to access Jinja Road. Instead, they will be diverted appropriately. Only vehicles with VIP stickers will be allowed to use Elgon Terrace and the Kololo Police Post Gate to reach the main venue.
The traffic diversions will begin as early as 6:00 a.m. on Independence Day and will continue until the event ends. To maintain order, motorcycles will not be allowed beyond the cut-off points, and parking along the roads is strictly prohibited. Any vehicle found abandoned or parked on the roadside will be towed at the owner’s expense to the nearest police station.
For parking, VVIPs and VIPs will have designated spaces at the main venue, while the general public will have parking at City High School, Hotel Africana, and the Uganda Management Institute (UMI). Police advise all attendees to clearly display their vehicle stickers for easy identification by security officers.
The public is urged to follow instructions from traffic and security officers, plan their journeys early, and exercise patience and discipline to ensure a peaceful and successful national celebration. The Uganda Police emphasize that these measures are not meant to inconvenience anyone but to create a safe and orderly environment for all who will attend or move around Kampala on that day.
As the country marks 63 years of independence, Ugandans are encouraged to celebrate responsibly and cooperate fully with security agencies to make this day a memorable and joyous occasion.
