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By Emmanuel Garjiek
The Uganda Police Force has announced new speed limit guidelines aimed at curbing the country’s rising road fatalities, proposing a reduction of the maximum highway speed from 100 km/h to 90 km/h.In a public notice shared on X (formerly Twitter), SP Michael Kananura, spokesperson for the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, said the adjustment is part of wider efforts to promote safer driving.
He emphasized the life-saving impact of reduced speeds, noting that “a pedestrian knocked at 30 km/h has a 90% chance of survival.”New Proposed Speed Limits30 km/h in high-pedestrian areas such as markets, schools, and hospitals50 km/h within built-up urban areas90 km/h on highways100 km/h on expresswaysKananura clarified that the 90 km/h highway limit will only be enforceable after the Ministry of Works and Transport updates road signage across the country.
Public ReactionsThe announcement has drawn support from road users online, many of whom pointed to the dangers of high-speed driving. One user, Christopher Senyimba, noted that speeding reduces a driver’s ability to stop safely in emergencies.
Another recounted a near-collision involving a boda boda rider, saying the low driving speed at the time prevented a serious accident.Rising Concern Over Road CrashesThe revised guidelines come amid a spike in deadly road incidents, including a recent Kampala–Gulu Highway crash that claimed 46 lives. According to the 2024 Police Annual Crime Report, Uganda recorded 25,107 road crashes, resulting in 4,434 deaths and over 25,800 injuries.
Authorities are currently piloting an Electronic Penalty System (EPS) to enforce speed limits and lane discipline more effectively.
Traffic police say public education and voluntary compliance remain essential.“Speed thrills but kills,” SP Kananura warned. “Drive responsibly and arrive safely.”
