By Our Reporter
The Ministry of Works and Transport is drawing a hard line against unauthorized car bonds congesting the Nakawa–Banda–Kireka stretch of the Kampala–Jinja Highway. In a decisive move to restore order along this critical national corridor, the Ministry has launched a sweeping operation targeting dealers who have encroached on road reserves—spaces meant for public safety, not private profit.
Permanent Secretary Bageya Waiswa minced no words. “The establishment of car bonds within the designated road reserve violates Section 16(1) of the Roads Act, 2019,” he said. “These operations have become public hazards—clogging drainage systems, causing endless traffic jams, and turning a vital highway into a death trap.”
Beginning June 27, 2025, affected operators have 30 days to voluntarily vacate the area. Any structures remaining after that grace period will be demolished at the owners’ cost, under Section 24(1) of the Roads Act.
“This operation is not up for negotiation,” Waiswa warned. “We’re reclaiming this corridor for the safety and benefit of all Ugandans.”
The Kampala–Jinja Highway is one of Uganda’s busiest trade arteries, linking the capital to the east and serving as a key route for regional commerce. Over the years, car dealers have turned road reserves into makeshift sales yards, narrowing the highway and heightening risks for motorists and pedestrians alike.
The Ministry’s action aligns with the government’s infrastructure-led growth strategy, as highlighted in the 2025/26 national budget. Finance Minister Matia Kasaija recently emphasized that improving transport networks is central to unlocking economic potential. “Our investments in roads will drive economic progress and ensure safety for all Ugandans,” Kasaija said.
For traders and daily commuters, the operation is welcome news. “This highway is our lifeline,” said Sarah Namutebi, a trader who frequently travels between Kampala and Jinja. “Removing those car bonds means less congestion and safer roads.”
As the Ministry pushes forward, it’s not just clearing space—it’s clearing the path to a more efficient and secure Uganda. The message is loud and clear: the days of impunity on road reserves are over.