Flooding, Property Damage, and Commuter Disruptions Reported Across the City
A heavy downpour that began around 5 AM on Wednesday, March 25, 2025, left parts of Kampala and Wakiso Districts submerged, causing widespread destruction, flooding and traffic chaos.
The rains, which continued into the mid-morning hours, severely impacted key roads, residential areas, and public infrastructure, prompting authorities to issue traffic warnings and safety advisories.
Severe Flooding Reported in Multiple Areas
Several suburbs of Kampala and Wakiso experienced extreme flooding, leaving homes, roads, and businesses in distress. Some of the most affected areas include:
- Banda, Kyambogo, and Kinawataka (Katogo) – Flooding rendered major roads impassable.
- Kampala Northern Bypass (Kyebando, Sentema, and Namungoona) – Floodwaters disrupted traffic flow.
- Kulambiro – A perimeter wall collapsed, damaging a home.
In Kulambiro, a distraught woman was seen pleading for assistance after her house was submerged and her kitchen destroyed. “Our entire house is flooded. My kitchen is gone. The power is off, but if it returns, we could get electrocuted,” she lamented.
Road Closures and Traffic Disruptions
The Uganda Traffic Police issued an urgent advisory warning motorists about unsafe road conditions:
🚨 Traffic Advisory 🚨
"Due to heavy rainfall early this morning, flooding has been reported in Banda, Kyambogo, and Kinawataka (Katogo). As a result, the Traffic Police advise all road users to use the Northern Bypass to avoid disruptions. We apologize for any inconvenience caused."
However, the Northern Bypass itself was also affected, with the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) confirming floods in Kyebando and Sentema–Namungoona.
UNRA Spokesperson Allan Ssempebwa urged caution:
"Heavy rains this morning have caused flooding along sections of the Kampala Northern Bypass—particularly around Kyebando and Sentema–Namungoona. Motorists, especially those with low-clearance vehicles, are advised to avoid these areas and use alternative routes. Drive with caution, and stay safe!"
Emergency Response and Precautionary Measures
- Authorities urged residents to stay indoors where possible and avoid flooded areas to prevent electrocution risks.
- Motorists were advised to seek alternative routes and drive with extreme caution.
- Disaster response teams were assessing property damage and assisting affected households.
As the rainy season intensifies, residents are advised to prepare for further potential disruptions, as more heavy rainfall is expected in the coming weeks.