UN warns staff against using Chinese built Ugandan expressway

KAMPALA. The United Nations (UN) has warned it’s staff against using the KAMPALA-Expressway after alleged resurgence of criminality.

The agency warned that hours between 10pm and 6am as peak times for thugs, and they are in charge of the Chinese-built facility.

The road is dark and with uncoordinated security that is manned by the Uganda Police Force (UPF) and a private agency, Pinaccle,the UN said in it’s travel advisory dated July 19.

Violent Robberies by organized criminal elements by gang members aged 14 -25 years occur, according to UN.

The 52km road was built by China Communications Construction Company (CCCC).

“Several members of the public have been affected incuding some UN staff. A joint security team has intensified operations,” a statement reads.

Hotspots named include Busega, Masanafu, Namungoona flyover, NWSC treatment plant at Lubigi, Bwaise, Kaleerwe, Kyebando, Kisaasi, Naalya round about and Namboole.

Crime remains high, the UN warned calling for cancellation of non essential movements.

“Police response time to emergencies on the Expressway varies from less than 01
hour to over 02 hours. Security Patrols by Pinnacle Service Providers, and UPF are uncoordinated,” UN’s statement I.

Users of the Expressway will note that it is only at toll Gate Areas where one finds light, rest of Expressway is dark. Likewise, the Expressway feeder, rhe Kampala Northern Bypass has no lights apart from apart fat the Flyovers and Intersections.

“The Northern Bypass has dark spots that are prone to crime. Increased reports of individual and gang related crimes registered.

Going forward, users must keep car doors locked and windows closed.

“Consider using day flights to and from Entebbe or staying at Entebbe on late night arrival or departure. If travel is absolutely necessary and unavoidable, then both the Kampala and Entebbe SOC are to be informed prior to travel are to be informed”.