Police counsel motorists ahead of World X-country
The Future. Uganda’s Junior Women Team will want to etch their names into history books with a good display. PHOTO BY A. LUBOWA
KAMPALA.
The Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP) has issued traffic alerts, warning motorists of significant road closures and special event clear-ways, in and around Kololo Independence Grounds, for the IAAF World Cross Country Championship due today.
More than 500 athletes from 59 nations are expected to compete in the one-day event and the Uganda Police has asked for motorists’ cooperation to ensure the showpiece is a success story.
“It will be illegal for anyone to approach Kololo or the roundabouts and the road blocks we have put in place,” said KMP Traffic Commander Norman Musinga while addressing a press conference at the Police Headquarters in Naguru on Friday.
Vehicles from Kololo residence which are unrelated to this event will be diverted at Upper Kololo, York Terrace via Archer Road and Lower Kololo Terrace will be half-way closed. Further, Wampewo Avenue towards Upper Kololo will be restricted to the motoring public.
Traffic will be diverted to Golf Course Road & KAR Road towards UMI.
Prince Charles Drive will be closed at Elizabeth Junction.
Upper Kololo Terrace will be closed at Mabua, Elgon, Philip and Wampewo/Upper Kololo Junction among other routes. Musinga went on to make a special plea to Boda Boda and bicycle riders known for breaking traffic regulations to abide.
He however apologised to all those who will be inconvenienced but pointed out that it was temporary and for the good of event.
According to Police, vehicles parked or abandoned by the road side will be towed to Jinja Road Police Station at the owners’ cost.
“All motorists should follow instructions and accept the inconveniences to create a conducive as well as a desired competitive environment for the runners. Normal traffic will be restored after the event,” pleaded Musinga.
Diversions will start as early as 6am and the general public will park at City High School in Kololo and KCCA play ground while vehicles transporting athletes will access the venue from Acacia, through Elgon Terrace.
