KCCA LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO CURB SPEEDING DURING FESTIVE SEASON

As holiday travel intensifies across Kampala, city authorities have launched a mass media campaign urging drivers to slow down during what is typically the deadliest month on Uganda’s roads.

The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), working with the Uganda Professional Drivers Network (UPDN), on Tuesday introduced a citywide speed-awareness drive titled “They Are Speed Limits for a Reason.”

The campaign was launched by the Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago during the 4th Annual Professional Drivers Conference and Road Transport Stakeholders Excellence Awards.

The initiative comes as December continues to record the highest number of road crashes nationwide. According to the Annual Crime Report 2024, Uganda registered 2,445 crashes in December alone, most linked to speeding and heavy festive-season travel.

“As we move into the holiday season, travel intensifies and the risk on our roads increases,” the Lord Mayor said. “This campaign is a timely reminder that speed limits exist to protect lives. I call upon every driver to slow down and help us reduce preventable injuries and deaths.”

KCCA officials said the sensitization campaign will be backed by increased enforcement by the Uganda Police Force, including heightened speed checks and visible patrols across major city routes.

UPDN Executive Director Ndugu Omongo said professional drivers carry an even greater responsibility during the festive season. He said safe driving practices protect passengers, pedestrians and all other road users.

The campaign will run throughout December and will include television and radio messages, digital outreach, (Public Service Vehicle) PSV advertisements and community sensitization led through UPDN networks. Enforcement operations will run alongside public messaging.

“Road safety requires the effort of every stakeholder,” the Lord Mayor said. “Together, we can protect lives during this festive season and beyond.”