Kampala, (UG): The Traffic Police has announced that several roads in Kampala will tomorrow be closed to motorists as thousands of Bazzukulu flock to Kololo Independence Grounds to celebrate the NRA Bush War Heroes and President’s Museveni’s achievements at the helm of Uganda’s leadership.
The event dubbed The Katonga Spirit will also coincide with Museveni’s 79th birthday as organised by a group of Bazzukulu ba M7 led by the National Coordinator in the Office of the NRM National Chairman, Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye.
While releasing the traffic flow plan on Thursday afternoon, the Traffic Police Commander in Kampala Metropolitan, SSP Godwin Arinaitwe said they expect at least 100,000 guests to attend the Kololo event where President Museveni is expected to be the main celebrant.
“We are expecting around 100, 000 guests who will be coming from different parts of the country. We appeal to the guest public to be vigilant but also follow the traffic guidelines we have temporary disruptions to traffic flow,” SSP Arinaitwe said.
The Kampala Traffic boss said there will be normal traffic flow at Golf Course traffic lights towards Acacia Avenue but a diversion around Upper Kololo Terrace, Elgon Terrace and Lower Kololo Terrace where no motorists will be allowed to access, apart from VVIPs.
According to Arinaitwe, those coming from Bombo Road are advised to use Old Kira Road, Lugogo Bypass and will park at KCCA grounds behind Shoprite, while those coming from Jinja will park at Lugogo UMA Show Grounds.
“If you are coming from Entebbe side you can use Kampala Road, Jinja road traffic lights, Lugogo bypass and pass at KCCA grounds. Those coming from Nansana can use Yusuf Lule Road, Golf Course traffic lights, Nakumatt, Jinja Road traffic lights, Wampeewo roundabout and park at KCCA grounds or UMA show grounds.”
Finally, those coming from Prince Charles Drive will be diverted through Archer Road Junction up to Jinja Road police station and join the main road, according to the released traffic plan.
“We appeal to the public to adhere to this traffic flow plan and other guidelines,” the KMP traffic commander concluded.
About the Event
The Bazzukulu under the leadership of Hajjat Namyalo, the ONC Manager, chose to combine the celebrations of Museveni’s birthday with the Katonga Spirit remembrance running under the theme; “Celebrating Jjajja; lessons from the battles of Katonga.”
According to Hajjat Namyalo, who is the lead organizer of the fete, the organizing team settled for September 8, to celebrate the President’s birthday as he might get other engagements and skip what they have dubbed as a “mega birthday party” organised in memory of the bush war heroes.
Namyalo says the choice of the theme was carefully picked in consultation with the President to, among other issues, reflect on the key lessons from the political struggles that marred the country before 1986, and celebrate the people who fought to ensure that peace, stability and freedom prevail.
“For long, we have given much attention to the Luweero and Kabamba battles. This has left many Ugandans unaware of what exactly transpired during the Katonga battle (October 13, 1985) and that’s why we came up with this because people who fought that battle also matter,” Ms Namyalorevealed in a press conference held last week.
“We are not going to celebrate the President alone. We are celebrating him and all those who fought for peace in the country. So, as we celebrate the President’s birthday, we are going to showcase all the historical events that led to peace and stability in the country,” she added.
At the event, Namyalo says the President will give the background of the war at Katonga Bridge on the Kampala-Masaka Highway in 1985 as it was one of the biggest battles that helped him and his rebels to capture Kampala.
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