Traffic Police have come out to refute claims by National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, that President Yoweri Museveni was responsible for the severe traffic gridlock along the Kampala–Masaka highway.
The traffic jam left thousands of motorists stranded for hours, with some spending the night on the road as a journey that ordinarily takes about two hours stretched to nearly 20 hours.
Bobi Wine blamed the congestion on President Museveni’s campaign activities in Mpigi, accusing the president of blocking sections of the road while addressing crowds.
However, in a statement issued on Tuesday, 30th December 2025, Traffic Police dismissed the claims as false and misleading.
“We have taken note of false claims attributing the traffic gridlock experienced last night along the Kampala–Masaka Road to H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s convoy,” the statement reads. “While delays are regrettable, it is inaccurate and misleading to place responsibility on the President’s convoy.”
Traffic Police explained that any road closures during presidential movements are minimal, time-bound, and coordinated according to standard operating procedures to minimize disruption.
According to the police, the congestion was largely caused by heavy end-of-month traffic as many motorists were returning from upcountry holidays, poor road discipline by some drivers who created multiple illegal lanes, and adverse weather conditions.
“A heavy downpour reduced visibility and compelled some motorists to temporarily park and wait for the storm to subside,” the statement added.
Police further noted that similar overnight delays were recorded along the same route during the same period last year when there were no presidential campaigns along the highway.
“It is therefore incorrect to politicize and wrongly attribute this unfortunate event,” Traffic Police stated.
The police urged motorists to exercise patience and maintain responsible road use, especially during periods of heavy traffic and unfavorable weather conditions.
Despite the clarification, many road users expressed frustration after spending countless hours on the highway, with some reporting missed appointments and delayed medical emergencies.
