The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has announced intentions to install traffic lights at the recently opened Queen’s Way and Circular Clock Tower in Kampala.
UNRA spokesperson Allan Ssempebwa disclosed this information in response to reports of confusion among motorists at the Clock Tower, where some drivers found themselves stranded in the middle of the road due to the absence of traffic police officers.
Ssempebwa clarified that while the Kampala Flyover Project, initiated during the Non Aligned Movement summit (NAM), has eased traffic congestion in the area, the roads around the Clock Tower are still under construction.
To address the ongoing confusion, temporary measures such as the deployment of Traffic Police officers and safety signs have been implemented. Additionally, the installation of traffic lights at four intersections in the Clock Tower area is planned to improve traffic flow.
Ssempebwa emphasized the importance of responsible driving and cautioned that while closing off the area is not currently an option, it may be considered if poor driver behavior persists.
The flyover project, inaugurated by President Yoweri Museveni in 2018, involves the construction of a 3.5km circular footbridge and is estimated to cost sh300 billion. Funding is provided by the Ugandan government in collaboration with the Japanese government, supported by a loan from the Japan International Co-operation Agency.
Was the traffic lights part of the original plan has it just come up? I guess is that UNRA is aiting for a fatal accident to happen at that spot to raise to action.