Slow Lane Ahead: Road Works Shift to Mabira Stretch on Kampala–Jinja Highway

The Ministry of Works and Transport has warned motorists of likely delays along the Mabira section of the Kampala–Jinja highway as routine maintenance works move into one of the busiest and most sensitive stretches of the road.

In a public traffic advisory issued Saturday, June 7, the Ministry confirmed that its in-house construction team has started working in the Mabira Forest area.

The scope of work, the statement said, involves addressing surface bottlenecks and preparing the road for asphalt overlay—a process expected to generate significant vehicular disruption if not well managed.

“Motorists are advised to exercise caution while driving through Mabira, as heavy equipment will be in operation,” the Ministry cautioned.

The Kampala–Jinja highway, one of Uganda’s key transport corridors linking the capital to the eastern region and the Malaba border, is prone to rapid deterioration due to constant use by heavy commercial trucks.

The stretch through Mabira Forest is especially challenging, often becoming slippery in wet weather and narrow at certain points, raising safety concerns.

To ease congestion and ensure works proceed without incident, the Ministry has announced a partial diversion of traffic.

Heavy trucks travelling in either direction are being rerouted via the Wantoni/Mukono–Katosi–Njeru route.

Meanwhile, light vehicles are encouraged to use the Njeru–Bukolooto–Naggalama–Kalagi–Gayaza road as an alternative.

“All suggested routes are paved and motorable,” the Ministry said, urging motorists to adhere to indicated speed limits and to cooperate with traffic controllers on site.

The intervention follows weeks of pothole repairs along other segments of the highway, including sections near Seeta, Lugazi, and Mukono, where cracked pavements and stagnant water had slowed traffic and raised complaints among commuters and bus operators.

In recent months, road safety advocates and haulage associations have lobbied government to prioritise rehabilitation of the Jinja road corridor, citing frequent breakdowns, increased travel times, and accidents along the ageing tarmac.

With the government yet to break ground on the long-awaited Kampala–Jinja expressway project, officials have turned to routine maintenance as a stop-gap measure.

This latest repair phase, now entering the ecologically sensitive Mabira Forest area, presents logistical and environmental challenges.

However, the Ministry has not indicated any need for forest clearance or major re-engineering, suggesting that the works remain limited to the road surface.

The statement further urged all motorists to be vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel through the affected zone, especially during peak working hours.

“We appreciate your cooperation,” said Allan Ssempebwa, the ministry senior communications manager.

The Kampala–Jinja highway remains a vital route for Uganda’s trade, tourism and daily mobility. Travellers heading east are advised to plan ahead and factor in possible delays over the next few days as works progress.