Kampala’s bustling streets, long known for congestion and chaos, are undergoing a quiet transformation as government agencies and development partners step up efforts to improve traffic management and road safety.
At the heart of these reforms is the collaboration between the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Uganda Police, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). JICA, Japan’s government agency for development assistance, has been instrumental in providing technical support and infrastructure funding.
"JICA offers technical support, loans, and grants mainly for infrastructure, education, health, and environmental projects,” explained Kasoma Meble, Program Officer at JICA Uganda.
One of the most pressing challenges, however, remains road user behaviour. “The greatest challenge we face is indiscipline, particularly among boda bodas,” noted SP Oinebye Bruce Kamunanwire, Regional Traffic Officer, Kampala Metropolitan North.
“However, there has been significant progress as they are becoming more organised and establishing unions to promote better regulation and accountability.”
Technology is now playing a bigger role in easing congestion. Kampala is rolling out a Traffic Moderator System, which will use real-time data to monitor traffic flow and enforce rules.
“The system will enable us to coordinate effectively, monitor traffic flow in real-time, and prioritise areas experiencing the highest congestion,” SP Kamunanwire explained. “You will see fewer physical traffic officers managing traffic directly. Instead, the focus will shift to enforcement through a system connected to the ePS Auto, fully integrated with the traffic lights for better coordination.”
Cameras are already in place to support this shift, but human oversight remains key. “Behind every camera, there’s a trained human reviewing footage to verify traffic violations.
The system is intentionally designed this way, and we are continuously working to improve its effectiveness and management,” Kamunanwire emphasised.
Still, the sustainability of such initiatives requires broader support. “Grant projects can only be sustainable with government support, especially for training, ownership, and protecting equipment from vandalism,” said Kasoma Meble of JICA Uganda.
Road safety advocates also stress the importance of culture change. “Safe Way, Right Way is about building a culture of discipline, accountability, and shared responsibility on our roads, because safety is everyone’s journey,” said Irene Namuyiga Musinguzi, General Manager of Safe Way, Right Way Uganda.
For KCCA, the bigger picture is long-term transformation. “Traffic Management and Control is the strategic regulation of vehicles, pedestrians, and all road users to ensure safety, efficiency, and sustainability across our road networks,” said Eng. Wasswa Joel, Manager of Traffic Management and Control at KCCA.
He added that public awareness is critical: “Our people need to be sensitised on how to use these traffic junctions, as there will be signals for every road user at the junctions.”
Despite the advancements, enforcement remains the cornerstone of change.
“Impunity and indiscipline are our biggest road safety challenges. Accidents don’t care about status; we must enforce the rules for everyone, without exception,” Kamunanwire said firmly.