KCCA Records 2% Drop in Road Deaths, Rolls Out Citywide Speed Reduction Drive
Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has reported a slight but encouraging decline in road traffic fatalities, with its latest Annual Road Safety Report showing a 2% drop in deaths in 2024.
Figures from the report indicate fatalities fell from 411 in 2023 to 404 in 2024, bringing the death rate down from 10.6 to 9.9 per 100,000 people. However, serious injuries increased by 12%, signalling that Kampala’s road safety challenge is far from over.
Vulnerable road users — pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists — made up 94% of all fatalities, with young men aged 20 to 29 years disproportionately affected. The report also flagged Northern Bypass, Jinja Road, and Entebbe Road as high-risk crash corridors where intensified safety measures are now being deployed.
Speaking at the launch of the report, Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago said:
“While we note a decline in fatalities, the growing number of crashes and the disproportionate impact on our youth remain deeply concerning. We are committed to enforcing safer road behaviors and protecting vulnerable road users.”
As part of its response, KCCA has unveiled a citywide mass media campaign under the slogan “Slow Down. It’s 30 for a Reason!” — urging motorists to respect the 30 km/h limit in urban and high-risk zones, especially around schools, hospitals, and markets.
KCCA Executive Director Hajat Sharifah Buzeki stressed the focus on safeguarding children, saying:
“Every child deserves a safe journey to and from school. Through this campaign and our Speed Management Plan, we aim to make Kampala’s streets safer for everyone, especially our children.”
The campaign is being run in partnership with the Uganda Professional Drivers Network (UPDN) and backed by coordinated police enforcement. It will run across TV, radio, social media, outdoor billboards, and through grassroots community outreach.
UPDN Executive Director Omongo Ndugu reminded motorists of the speed regulations gazetted in February 2024, which reduced limits from 50 km/h to 30 km/h in built-up areas near schools and busy pedestrian spots.
“This is not just a figure on a road sign. It is a life-saving rule that every professional driver must uphold. Slowing down near schools and pedestrian crossings is central to protecting children and other unprotected road users.”
With its blend of data-led policy and behavioral change messaging, KCCA says this campaign is part of a long-term plan to make Kampala’s streets safer and reduce the human cost of road crashes.
