Police have announced heightened security and major traffic diversions in Fort Portal City ahead of the coronation of Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I scheduled for Tuesday. President Yoweri Museveni is expected to be the chief guest at the coronation ceremony, which will take place at Karuziika Palace.
Speaking to journalists on Monday afternoon, Rwenzori West Police spokesperson Vincent Twesige said security had been heightened across Fort Portal City and the wider kingdom as thousands of people are expected to participate in activities leading up to the coronation.
Twesige said the first major traffic disruption will occur on Monday night during the procession of the king-designate from Rwengoma Palace to Karuziika Palace. The procession is scheduled to begin at 10 p.m., with police and other security agencies deployed along the route.
Twesige said traffic along the Fort Portal-Bundibugyo, commonly known as Bwamba Road, will be cut off from about 9:30 p.m. to allow the procession to proceed. Motorists travelling towards Ntoroko and Bundibugyo will be diverted through Kamwenge Road, Harubaho and St. Stephen Church of Uganda before rejoining the route at Butebe.
He urged residents living along the affected roads to travel early before the diversion takes effect. The procession will have nine stopovers before reaching Karuziika Palace, with police personnel deployed along the entire route. Twesige also warned the public to remain vigilant against theft during the procession, particularly phone and bag snatching.
Twesige said security checks will also be conducted at all access points to St. John’s Cathedral during Tuesday’s coronation service, while motorists will be required to use designated parking areas. He added that several roads will be closed or diverted from 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday to ease movement and protect guests attending the service.
Motorists approaching the city centre from Mpanga along the Fort Portal-Kampala Road will be diverted through Kabundaire. Traffic heading towards Kasese from Kampala will also be diverted through Kamwenge Road, Harubaho and Kachwamba before proceeding to Kasese.
Twesige said access to the central business area will remain possible through Kabundaire and Kaboyo Road, with motorists able to connect to Bwamba Road and the CBD. He said businesses operating outside the restricted routes are expected to continue operating normally.
Twesige further advised members of the public to comply with security checks and avoid carrying prohibited or suspicious objects into the coronation venue.He urged the public to follow instructions from security personnel throughout the celebrations-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
