The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has announced plans to install a replica Clock Tower following the completion of the Kampala Flyover Road Project. The original iconic Clock Tower, located at Queen’s Way, was dismantled for the development of the road project, leading to protests from city residents and heritage advocates. UNRA assured the public of the tower’s relocation and restoration near the original site.
The clock, known as “Saawa ya Queen,” had been missing for over 12 years, raising questions about its whereabouts. Allan Ssempebwa, Communication Manager at UNRA, revealed that the project is at a 97% completion rate, with the restoration of the tower almost finished. Ssempebwa emphasized that UNRA is collaborating with other departments to ensure the installation of a functional clock in the reconstructed tower.
While parts of the original Clock Tower, such as metallic elements, have been incorporated into the new structure, including the upper metallic section, the clock itself has been missing since 2011. UNRA is committed to installing functioning replicas to maintain the historical and functional essence of the clock tower.
The Queen’s Clock disappeared during a city beautification project initiated by Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) in 2011. The missing clock was initially placed on the tower at the Nsambya-Entebbe road junction during the 1950s to commemorate the inaugural visit of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip to Uganda in 1954.
The clock’s disappearance has led to speculation that it may have been taken by illicit collectors, prompting concerns about the illegal trafficking of antiquities. The recently enacted Museum and Monuments Act of 2023 in Uganda aims to formalize, regulate, and safeguard both tangible and intangible heritage, making it illegal to engage in or assist in the trade, storage, or transportation of illicit antiquities.
