Kampala Jinja Highway fire disrupted traffic early Wednesday after a blaze engulfed a timber-filled building in Seeta, near Mogas petrol station. The incident caused major congestion as emergency teams moved quickly to contain the flames.
Authorities responded by redirecting motorists to alternative routes, while traffic officers worked to manage the growing backlog of vehicles. The situation created significant delays along one of Uganda’s busiest transport corridors.
Kampala Jinja Highway fire causes major traffic disruption
According to Michael Kananura, the fire affected movement between Namanve and Seeta. This stretch includes key industrial and commercial zones, which made the disruption more severe.
Police issued a traffic advisory urging drivers to avoid the area. They also confirmed that firefighting teams were actively working to contain the blaze. As a result, traffic flow slowed significantly throughout the morning.
Motorists traveling through the corridor experienced long delays, with congestion extending into surrounding routes. Many drivers remained stranded for hours as authorities coordinated emergency operations.
Diversions introduced to ease congestion
To manage the situation, police implemented several diversion routes. Drivers heading from Mukono to Kampala were directed to use the Seeta–Sonde–Namugongo route into the city.
Meanwhile, those traveling from Kampala to Mukono had two main alternatives. They could use the Northern Bypass through Nalya, Kyaliwajjala, and Sonde, or pass through Spear Motors, Bweyogerere, and Namanve.
Although these routes helped reduce pressure on the main highway, traffic still built up quickly. Police warned that delays were unavoidable due to the volume of vehicles and ongoing emergency work.
Emergency response continues amid Kampala Jinja Highway fire
Firefighting teams remained at the scene throughout the morning, working to fully extinguish the fire. Thick smoke could be seen rising from the affected building, drawing attention from nearby residents and motorists.
Police maintained a strong presence in the area to control traffic and ensure public safety. Officers directed vehicles and kept pedestrians away from the scene as a precaution.
Importantly, authorities confirmed that no casualties had been reported at the time. However, investigations into the cause of the fire were expected to begin once the situation was under control.
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Motorists urged to remain cautious
Police advised drivers to remain patient and follow all traffic instructions. They emphasized the importance of cautious driving, especially on the alternative routes where congestion continued to rise.
In addition, authorities encouraged road users to plan their journeys carefully and allow extra travel time. This guidance aimed to reduce frustration and prevent further incidents during the disruption.
Traffic officers continued to monitor the situation closely, adjusting diversions where necessary to improve flow. Their efforts focused on minimizing delays while ensuring safety for all road users.
Kampala Jinja Highway fire highlights infrastructure strain
The incident once again exposed the vulnerability of key transport routes in the Kampala metropolitan area. With limited alternative corridors, even a single disruption can lead to widespread congestion.
Urban growth and increased vehicle numbers have placed additional pressure on major highways. As a result, incidents such as fires or accidents often have far-reaching effects.
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Authorities are expected to review traffic management strategies to improve response times during emergencies. Meanwhile, motorists continue to navigate delays as normal traffic gradually resumes along the affected stretch.
