A 15-Hour Traffic Nightmare in Uganda

On the evening of December 29th, 2025, I encountered a massive traffic jam near Mpambire, about 40 kilometers on the Kampala-Masaka road. I initially thought it was due to an accident ahead, slowing us down. I didn’t realize I’d be stuck in the same spot for 15 hours. It was a night I won’t soon forget.

At frist, VIP cars with sirens and ambulances tried to push through, but within 30 minutes, they too were stopped. The road fell silent except for the engines of a few trucks and buses.

the losses from this traffic jam were meaningful. I learned that two poultry companies lost shipments of one-day-old chicks because of the heat. These chicks are very fragile and require careful handling. Delays in transporting live animals and birds are rarely allowed, as they need uninterrupted movement.

Trucks carrying cows, pigs, and goats also suffered losses. These farmers are facing significant financial setbacks. Any delay impacts the animals’ health and the quality of the meat.

What caused this massive jam?

Earlier that day, President Yoweri Museveni was in the Mpigi area, which briefly disrupted traffic. However, the main problem was impatient and inconsiderate drivers. People tried to create three lanes going towards Kampala and three lanes going out, overwhelming the two-lane road. This brought traffic to a complete standstill for over 16 hours.

traffic police had been deployed to manage political rallies in the area during the day. After their shifts ended, they returned to their stations and homes. The few officers who remained were overwhelmed by the chaotic and unruly drivers. By 9 pm, they had withdrawn from the area where I was stuck. Without traffic control and with so many reckless drivers, the traffic jam worsened.

Rain also played a role. in Kampala and surrounding areas,traffic jams often happen when it rains. In Mpigi,it rained from 7 pm to 4 am while I was stuck there.

Many Ugandans were returning to Kampala and nearby districts from their villages. The unusually high traffic volume, combined with the President’s presence and the resulting traffic regulations, created a perfect storm for disaster.