Motorists using the Kampala–Masaka Road have been warned to expect traffic disruptions at Katonga Bridge as the Ministry of Works and Transport begins the final asphalt surfacing works on the bridge’s approach roads.
The works have commenced today, Monday, August 10, 2026, and are expected to continue for approximately one week, according to a public notice issued by the Ministry on Sunday.
The latest phase marks a critical stage in the completion of works around the Katonga Bridge, which is an important link along the busy Kampala–Masaka highway.
The Ministry said the approach roads will remain open to traffic at half width throughout the construction period to allow motorists to continue using the route while contractors carry out the surfacing works.
Traffic will therefore be managed through the active work zone, with motorists expected to follow directions from traffic management personnel and other road signs installed at the site.
Motorists urged to exercise patience
The Ministry has particularly cautioned motorists against overtaking within the work zone, bypassing other vehicles or ignoring traffic instructions.
According to the notice, such behaviour could interfere with the controlled traffic arrangement and result in unnecessary delays and congestion.
“Motorists are urged to follow traffic guidance at the site, keep within the designated lane and exercise patience,” the Ministry said.
The warning comes as traffic volumes along the Kampala–Masaka corridor remain significant, with the highway serving motorists travelling between Kampala and several districts in central and western Uganda.
The road is also an important route for the movement of passengers, agricultural produce, commercial goods and other supplies between Kampala and communities along the Masaka corridor.
With part of the approach roads occupied by construction activity, motorists could experience slower traffic, particularly during peak travel periods.
The Ministry is therefore asking road users to plan their journeys accordingly and avoid actions that could worsen congestion.
Half-width traffic arrangement
Under the temporary traffic arrangement, one portion of the approach road will be used for traffic while construction crews work on the other section.
Traffic management will be necessary to ensure vehicles move safely through the work zone while allowing the contractor to complete the asphalt surfacing.
The Ministry’s decision to keep the road open is intended to minimise disruption to motorists while the final works are undertaken.
However, the half-width arrangement means motorists may have to slow down and wait for traffic to be regulated, particularly where vehicles travelling in opposite directions have to share the available carriageway.
Drivers have consequently been advised to strictly remain within their designated lanes and comply with instructions at the site.
Final stage of Katonga Bridge works
The asphalt surfacing represents one of the final visible stages in the completion of the approach roads to the Katonga Bridge.
The Ministry described the works as an important stage in completing the project and appealed to the public to cooperate with the traffic management measures.
The completion of the approach roads is expected to improve the connection between the bridge and the existing highway once the works are fully concluded.
For motorists, however, the coming week is likely to require additional caution as construction activity takes place alongside live traffic.
The Ministry has urged drivers not to attempt to overtake vehicles within the restricted section or use unofficial routes to bypass traffic controls.
It warned that motorists who disregard traffic instructions could not only put themselves and other road users at risk but also contribute to traffic build-up around the construction area.
The public notice is part of the Ministry’s efforts to keep road users informed about changes in traffic flow as major infrastructure works are completed.
Motorists travelling along the Kampala–Masaka corridor have therefore been advised to slow down, follow traffic signs and personnel, remain in designated lanes and exercise patience until the asphalt works are completed.
The Ministry said it appreciates the cooperation of road users as the final stage of works at Katonga Bridge gets underway.
