Kampala’s Smart-City Drive Gains Traction as Pilot Zones Go Digital
Kampala/Uganda.
The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has announced the rollout of phase II of its Smart City Program, a multi-agency plan aimed at improving traffic management, public-service delivery and citizen engagement through digital tools.
Under the initiative, pilot smart zones in Nakawa, Kololo Hill Drive and Nakasero will integrate AI-enabled traffic-lights, e-waste sensors, and digital kiosks for permits and tax payments. Officials confirmed that new fibre-optic corridors are being laid in collaboration with private telecoms to support 5G-based applications.
KCCA Executive Director Shariffa Buzeki said:
“Kampala is evolving into a connected urban ecosystem. We’re reducing paperwork, improving mobility data, and enhancing safety through surveillance integration.”
Key features
AI-assisted traffic control: Expected to cut commute times by 25%.
Waste-management sensors: Provide real-time bin-capacity data to optimize collection routes.
Digital permits & taxes: E-counters to reduce queuing time from 45 minutes to 5.
Community engagement: Residents can submit service requests via the My Kampala mobile app.
Impact:
Urban-policy experts say such digital upgrades can raise revenue efficiency and transparency, while creating data-driven insights for planning. However, privacy safeguards and maintenance budgets remain critical.
