The Clock Tower Junction is a remarkable new monument that has emerged in the first phase of the flyover project, right in the middle of Kampala, the bustling heartbeat of our city.
Even with its opulence and disorder, it draws in inhabitants and visitors alike, raising the issue that permeates everyone’s thoughts: Is this architectural wonder a boon in and of itself, or does it hide the possibility of becoming an exposed death trap?
Three weeks ago, the discovery of the Clock Tower Junction sent a shiver down the spines of city drivers and bikers alike. Placed in high-traffic regions, this intersection was first welcomed as a long-overdue relief from the persistent problems with traffic that had plagued these neighborhoods.
But as the initial excitement wears off, it’s clear that the newly discovered way to relieve traffic has brought with it new difficulties, turning the once-celebrated intersection into a barrier to life for people who cross it.
Now, drivers who have personally encountered the intersection attest to a mixed reality. Although there appears to be some alleviation from the general problem of traffic congestion, navigating the Clock Tower Junction requires an uncommon amount of patience and caution.
For many, what started off as a simple fix has turned into a laborious task of maneuvering through a complicated network of uncontrollably moving cars and Boda-boda riders who are constantly turning left and right. Transcending this intersection, which was formerly thought to be a traffic miracle, now demands patience in addition to a higher level of awareness to guarantee a safe journey.
Watching from the pedestrian-only ring footbridge, you can see how big and small cars, as well as boda-bodas, make their way from the city to Nsambya, Katwe, and Kibuye, and vice versa. But to those watching, this sight is more akin to a death trap than just an intersection—in fact, for some, it resembles a scene straight out of a scary movie.
Watching from the pedestrian-only ring footbridge, you can see how big and small cars, as well as boda-bodas, make their way from the city to Nsambya, Katwe, and Kibuye, and vice versa. But to those watching, this sight is more akin to a death trap than just an intersection—in fact, for some, it resembles a scene straight out of a scary movie.
The already difficult situation is even more unpredictable by the disorganized and devoid of traffic lights Clock Tower Junction. When combined with the frequently erratic actions of Boda-boda riders, the frustration displayed by Ugandan drivers presents a worrying image for this new intersection. It seems that the lack of regulatory action could do more harm than good, despite early optimism for improved traffic flow.
The knowledge that individual drivers’ decisions will have a significant impact on the outcome of the intersection is the source of the anxiety. There is a great chance of pandemonium if there is no formal direction in place. There is a legitimate concern that eventually the absence of traffic management could lead to a serious collision between the various traffic streams. The urgent worry is made clear: if proactive steps are not taken to establish order, the Clock Tower Junction could unintentionally serve as a staging area for a disastrous car collision.
The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) spokesperson, Allan Ssempebwa, addressed the situation on Sunday in response to the mounting public alarm, calling it a “MESS.” Ssempebwa noted that although the Authority is cognizant of the difficulties presented by the Clock Tower Junction, the lanes are broad enough to allow drivers to be patient and drive carefully through the region.
He went on to say that the flyover is still being developed and is a construction site. The Kampala Flyover is still under development, as you are aware! We just let it go during the NAM summit preparations, and from what we’ve seen, it has really helped relieve some of the pressure there.
But a relevant point is raised: in order to avoid possible fatalities at this uncontrolled intersection, why not temporarily close this construction site and reopen it after it is finished?
Furthermore, since the authorities are aware of the current state of chaos and the outcome of the NAM meeting, why not think about temporarily closing the junction until the construction is finished, guaranteeing the efficiency and safety of road users?
This poses questions regarding how to maintain the public’s safety during this transitory period while also allowing for continuous work.
You’ll learn about the delicate balance between opportunity and difficulty as you make your way through the complexities of New Clock Tower Junction as it is now, where each step you take is a dance with destiny.
