Uganda Police Issue CHAN 2024 Traffic Advisory for Kampala and Entebbe

The Uganda Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety has issued a detailed traffic advisory ahead of the upcoming TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024), as the country prepares to host Group C matches at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

The announcement, made today at the Uganda Media Centre by SP Kananura Michael, the Communications Liaison Officer, outlines strategic traffic changes in Kampala and Entebbe aimed at ensuring the safe, secure, and efficient movement of national teams, CAF officials, dignitaries, and fans.

The traffic measures come as teams begin arriving in the country ahead of the tournament’s kick-off on Saturday, August 2, 2024. Niger’s national team has already landed and settled in, while Uganda’s national team, The Cranes, has checked into its base hotel. Other teams are expected to arrive in the coming days, with operational details kept confidential for security and logistical reasons.

Uganda will host 12 matches as part of Group C, including games featuring Algeria, Guinea, Niger, South Africa, and Uganda.

Key Traffic Routes Affected

To accommodate the movement of delegations and guests, several roads around stadiums, accommodations, and training sites will be closely monitored or restricted. The main priority corridor will be:

• Kampala–Entebbe Expressway – Northern Bypass – Bwaise Interchange

Additional routes to be impacted include:

• Kubiri – Mulago – Yusuf Lule Road
• Kira Road Police – Bukoto Road
• Kalerwe – Kisasi Roundabout
• Naalya Interchange – Namboole Stadium
• Busega – Natete – Kabusu – Wankulukuku Stadium
• Mulago – Wandegeya – Makerere – Nakulabye – Kadiba Stadium
• Jinja Road – Kyambogo – Ministry of Works – Kyambogo University Playground

Match Day Diversions

Traffic diversions will be enforced from 12:00 PM on match days, especially around Mandela National Stadium, depending on real-time traffic flow and security demands:

• Trucks will be rerouted at Kalerwe and Mukono, via Gayaza–Kalagi–Mukono.
• Vehicles may be diverted at Naalya, Seeta, and Bweyogerere, towards Kyaliwajjala, Ssonde, Namugongo, and Kinawataka.
• Access to Kireka Trading Centre will be cut off from Hared Petrol Station.
• The Kireka–Nasanga–Jokas Hotel Road will be open only to pedestrians.

Parking Guidelines at Namboole

Public access to parking areas near Mandela National Stadium will be strictly regulated:

• Only VIP-accredited vehicles will be allowed to park at the Southern Wing Playground.
• No public parking will be allowed without official VIP stickers.
• All VIPs must clearly display their stickers to facilitate seamless identification and parking access.

Security and Movement Coordination

The Uganda Police has assured the public of tight security across all designated routes. Traffic officers will be deployed in large numbers, supported by lead escort vehicles to guide team convoys and visiting delegations. Coordination will ensure there are no interruptions or delays in team movements.

A Call for Public Cooperation

SP Kananura appealed to motorists and residents in affected areas to support the operations by:

1. Following traffic officers’ directions
2. Exercising patience and discipline
3. Planning travel in advance, especially on match days

“These measures are designed not only to ensure the safety of our guests but also to facilitate a smooth and proud hosting experience for Uganda. We ask for your understanding and cooperation,” SP Kananura emphasized.

The CHAN 2024 tournament officially kicks off on August 2, with Uganda hosting its first match on August 4 at Mandela National Stadium.