The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has launched a state-of-the-art traffic control system valued at Shs 63 billion. The project, funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), aims to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion in Uganda’s capital city.
The minister of state for Kampala, Kyofatogabye Kabuye, described the system as a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to modernize Kampala.
Kyofatogabye praised the new system, emphasizing its role in upgrading Kampala’s infrastructure. He urged KCCA and the traffic police to use the facility efficiently to ensure smoother traffic flow and better road safety.
“This system is a game-changer for Kampala,” he said.
“I call on the traffic department and KCCA to make full use of this technology to manage traffic effectively.”
Kampala’s Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago, said the new traffic control system has the potential to address two major challenges in the city: traffic congestion and road-related crime.
“This traffic control system will help ease the daily gridlock that frustrates residents and businesses alike,” Lukwago said. “It will also improve road safety by enabling better monitoring and quicker response to incidents.”
However, Lukwago used the occasion to appeal to the government for additional funding to support KCCA’s long-term plans. He specifically mentioned the need for a light rail system, which was included in KCCA’s 2021–2025 Strategic Plan but has not yet been implemented due to lack of government support.
“A light rail system would be the most effective way to tackle traffic congestion in Kampala,” Lukwago emphasized. “We need the government to prioritize this initiative to transform urban transport.”
How the System Works
The new traffic control system is designed to streamline traffic management across Kampala. It includes advanced technologies such as real-time traffic monitoring, automated traffic signals, and data analytics to optimize traffic flow. The system will be operated under the supervision of the traffic police and the ministry of Works and Transport, ensuring coordination between key stakeholders.
The system is expected to: Reduce traffic congestion in high-traffic areas like the central business district; improve road safety by monitoring traffic violations and accidents and provide real-time data to help authorities make informed decisions about traffic management.
