By Our Reporter
All presidential aspirants have been barred from accessing the central business district by the Uganda Police Force.
The Uganda Police Force on Friday issued traffic guidelines that will regulate the nomination process of conduct Presidential Nominations on 2nd and 3rd November, 2020 at Cricket Grounds Kyambogo.
Kampala Metropolitan Police Traffic Commander Norman Musinga noted that access to Kyambogo University will be restricted to only accredited persons.
“There will be no access to other motorists intending to use the Kampala – Jinja Highway between Spear Motors and Kireka Trading Centre except members of Electoral Commission, Presidential Aspirants, Service Vehicles, Emergency Vehicles and Security Vehicles. The Aspirants will exit through Kyambogo University, Faculty of Engineering and join Kigobe Road at National Council of Higher Education,” Musinga noted.
Close to 58 Presidential Aspirants had picked forms however very few returned them and by close of business on Friday the Electoral Commission had vetted and cleared around 9 and these included President Yoweri Museveni, Forum for Democratic Change Patrick Amuriat, National Unity Platform Robert Kyagulanyi, Major Gen. Mugisha Muntu of Alliance for National Transformation, Independent Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde among others. They will be vetted on Monday and Tuesday at Kyambogo University.
Musinga noted that Presidential Aspirants will not be allowed to access the Central Business Centre and that all roads leading to the Central Business District will have restricted access. “No procession along the road will be allowed before, during and after nominations. Presidential Aspirants will park at the parking adjacent to the Nomination Centre. Motorists accompanying the presidential Aspirants will park adjacent to Western gate as will be guided by Traffic Police,” Musinga stated
Boda Riders will also not be allowed beyond all the cut off points. Musinga warned that any motorist who contravenes provisions of Traffic Regulations will be dealt with in accordance with the Traffic and Road Safety Act 1998.
In the guidelines released, motorists will be diverted at Spear Motors (IOV), Banda Trading Centre, Kireka Trading Centre, Kigobe Road at National Council of Higher Education and Jokas Hotel.
Other motorists heading to Jinja from Kampala can also access through; Old Port bell Road, Spring Road via Kireka Road to Kinawataka and join Kampala – Jinja Highway at Bweyogerere Trading Centre.
They can alternatively use New Port bell Road Nakawa, Chwa II Road, Kinawataka, Jokas Hotel and join Kampala – Jinja Highway at Bweyogerere Trading Centre.
Or also use the New Port bell Road, Ismail Road or Via Kireka Road to Kinawataka Road and join Kampala – Jinja Highway at Bweyogerere Trading Centre.
Kyambogo Cricket Ground (Presidential Nomination Center) will only be accessible to Presidential Aspirants, their recommended number of people accredited by Electoral Commission and Electoral Commission Officials.
The accredited VIPs will access the Nomination Centre through Kyambogo Road, Kyambogo University Western gate and park as will be directed by Traffic Police.
Emergency vehicles (Fire brigade, Ambulances and Medical Team) will access the venue through Banda and the Eastern gate will be the exit route for emergency vehicles.
Musinga also noted that heavy trucks will not be allowed along Kampala – Jinja Highway. “Those from Eastern will be diverted from Namboole Round about to Northern bypass and those from Western will be diverted at Busega Round about through Northern by pass to Kalerwe Round about-Gayaza and follow the same route to Jinja,” he noted.
All junctions that join Kampala – Jinja Highway between Spear Motors (IOV) and Kireka Trading Center will be cut off; therefore no vehicle shall access the Highway.
Musinga also warned that parking along the road is prohibited, motor vehicles found abandoned by the road side will be towed to the nearest Police Stations at the owners cost and inconvenience.
He noted that residents that will be affected by the Traffic diversions will be allowed to move out but expected to come back after nominations and that diversion of motor vehicles will start Monday November 2 at 5: 00 am until the end of the function on 3rd November, 2020.