Passengers stranded, traffic diverted as UNRA repairs Kampala-Masaka road

Motorists along Kampala-Masaka Road have been advised to use alternative routes as traffic has been diverted to enable Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) repair a failed section of the road in Lwera.
“Both sides of the road at this section caved in, the right side first on Boxing Day. As such, motorists have been using the middle of the road. UNRA will have one side of the road restored by 10:00pm tonight, and the other tomorrow. Ongoing works include culvert installation. Please follow the safety alerts that have been installed, as well as the instructions from Traffic Police who are on site and have been of great help,” UNRA said in a statement issued on Saturday.

However, before the statement, there were several complaints from motorists who ply the route after they were caught unawares by the traffic snarl as you approach the damaged section.
Most motorists blamed UNRA for not alerting them in advance.
“Anyone knows why a highway is cut off in Lukaya in a festive season? [Media Relations Manager at UNRA] Allan Ssempebwa Kyobe III any idea? The traffic snarl here would easily make it to the Guinness Book of Records,” Mr Don Wanyama , the senior presidential press secretary posted on his Facebook wall on Saturday evening.
In his response, Mr Ssempebwa, the Media Relations Manager at UNRA said the technical team had to undertake an emergency intervention to avert “more damage to the highway” and that the section would be restored by Sunday morning.

However, Mr Mark Ssali, the corporate affairs manager at UNRA said on Sunday morning that their technical team was still on ground working before advising motorists from Mbarara side to use alternative routes.
“Good morning. The Team is on the ground still working. From Mbarara however, you can turn off at Nyendo, head to Villa Maria and onto our Project of Mpigi-Kanoni-Sembabule-Villa Maria which is tarmac. Travel safe brother,” Mr Ssali tweeted in response to Mr Joseph Beyanga who asked for traffic updates as he planed to travel from Mbarara.

Passengers stranded

Meanwhile, passengers travelling to Kampala are stranded at Mbarara Main Bus Park over shortage of buses on December 29, 2019. Our reporter at the scene says there are no buses in Mbarara at the moment but passengers have been queuing in the booking section since morning.