As rush hour traffic builds on Ugandan roads, so does the danger. Between 6:00 PM and 7:59 PM, road crashes peak, putting countless lives at risk. Reckless behaviours, like motorcycles weaving through traffic and vehicles ignoring traffic lights are becoming alarmingly common.
According to the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System Uganda (ITMSug), these risky actions, especially during peak hours, are a major contributor to the country’s growing road safety crisis.
In response, the Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Works and Transport, is working with ITMSug to implement a technology-led solution: a nationwide Intelligent Transport Monitoring System.
Using CCTV surveillance, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, and data analytics, this smart system aims to:
Identify congestion hotspots
Enable faster responses to road incidents
Encourage responsible road use
“By leveraging advanced technologies and real-time data,” said ITMSug, "we can promote safer habits and reduce road crashes across the country."
But technology is only one part of the solution. Experts emphasise the need for collective responsibility. Drivers must obey traffic laws, pedestrians should remain alert and cautious, and passengers must feel empowered to speak up against reckless driving.
Uganda’s roads don’t have to be dangerous. With smart systems and citizen cooperation, we can reduce crashes and create a safer, more efficient transport experience for all.