Traffic Police have issued new guidance on speed limits across Uganda as part of a fresh campaign to curb the country’s rising road accident deaths.
In a public notice shared on X (formerly Twitter), SP Michael Kananura, the spokesperson for the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, announced that authorities plan to reduce the maximum speed on highways from 100 km/h to 90 km/h. Although many road signs still show the current limit, the adjustment is intended to improve safety on major routes.
Kananura emphasised the life-saving impact of lower speeds, noting, “A pedestrian knocked at 30 km/h has a 90% chance of survival.” He urged motorists to strictly follow the recommended limits in all zones:
• 30 km/h in high-risk pedestrian areas such as schools, hospitals and markets
• 50 km/h in built-up urban areas
• 90 km/h on highways
• 100 km/h on expressways
The revised guidance comes as the Police and the Ministry of Works and Transport continue piloting the Electronic Penalty System (EPS), which aims to improve compliance with traffic rules including speed control and lane discipline.
Responding to public concerns about conflicting signage, Kananura clarified that the 90 km/h highway limit will only become official once the Ministry updates road signs across the country.
Uganda recorded 25,107 road crashes in 2024, resulting in 4,434 deaths and more than 25,800 injuries, according to the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report — alarming figures that authorities say underline the need for tighter speed enforcement.
