Traffic Chaos in Uganda as Museveni Takes a Seat in the Middle of a Busy Highway

President Yoweri Museveni sparked widespread disruption on Tuesday after halting traffic on the busy Kampala – Masaka Highway, sitting in the middle of the road to address residents during an election campaign tour.

The impromptu stop left thousands of motorists stranded for hours and triggered a fierce public debate over the handling of presidential movements ahead of the 2026 general elections.

The president, who is seeking another term in office after nearly four decades in power, brought traffic to a standstill near Mpigi Town as his convoy stopped to engage with residents.

Videos circulating on social media showed Museveni seated on the tarmac speaking directly to a small crowd, while vehicles remained halted on the highway.

Many motorists reported being trapped on the road for more than a dozen hours, with some forced to spend the night inside their vehicles due to the heavy congestion.

Traffic police were eventually compelled to divert cars onto alternative routes early Tuesday to ease the gridlock.

Opposition figures criticised the president for what they described as a disruptive and avoidable closure of a major transport artery, arguing that such tactics showed disregard for ordinary citizens’ time and safety.

“The inconvenience caused to families, traders and commuters is unacceptable,” said one opposition leader, reflecting widespread frustration.

State House and traffic authorities rejected claims that Museveni’s roadside engagement was the primary cause of the traffic chaos.

Officials instead pointed to holiday traffic volumes, accidents, poor road discipline and weather conditions as contributing factors.