Kampala Launches East Africa’s First Smart Traffic Control Center

Kampala has taken a historic leap toward modern urban management with the commissioning of the Kampala Traffic Control Center, the first of its kind in East Africa. The state-of-the-art facility, worth UGX 47 billion (USD 24 million), was officially opened by the Japanese Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Takuya Sasayama, who also unveiled its commemorative plaque at City Hall.

The project, implemented under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), marks a groundbreaking step in addressing Kampala’s long-standing traffic challenges while promoting smarter, greener urban living.

A Game-Changer for Traffic Management

According to KCCA Executive Director, Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, the center is fully equipped with real-time monitoring and data-driven traffic management systems connected to 30 intersections across the city.

“Today, we officially opened the state-of-the-art Kampala Traffic Control Centre, the first of its kind in East Africa. Connected to 30 intersections, it will ease congestion, provide vital data for planning, support agencies like the traffic police, and strengthen Uganda’s mass transportation programs. Together, we are building a smarter, safer, and more livable Kampala,” Buzeki said.

She added that the facility will not only benefit Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) but also support traffic police, researchers, and policymakers, with future plans to expand and integrate artificial intelligence into its systems.

Government Applauds Milestone

The State Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hon. Kabuye Kyofatogabye, described the Traffic Control Center as a practical solution to Kampala’s most pressing urban problem.

“This center supports government programs on mass transportation and will go a long way in reducing emissions and improving the quality of life for city dwellers,” Kyofatogabye noted.

Japan’s Lasting Partnership

Ambassador Sasayama hailed the project as a timely intervention for Kampala’s complex urban challenges.

“Waste management, transport, pollution—these are multifaceted problems. At least, for traffic, part of the answer is here. I thank the police for their work, and I hope this facility makes their efforts much easier,” he remarked.

JICA’s Representative in Uganda, Yoichi Inoue, emphasized the resilience it took to complete the project amid the COVID-19 pandemic and called for future projects to be integrated into the new system to maximize impact.

Kampala’s Journey to a Smart City

Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago described the center as a “monument on Kampala’s skyline,” symbolizing progress in the city’s journey toward smart urban living.

“This project will reduce emissions, enhance enforcement capacity, and make transport management more efficient. We must celebrate this achievement and thank the government of Japan,” Lukwago said.

Engineer-in-Chief, Eng. Stephen Kitonsa, highlighted the facility’s advanced features, including traffic monitoring systems, modern control tools, and data-driven models designed to improve both road safety and transport efficiency.

A Greener Future

To crown the event, Ambassador Sasayama, Minister Kyofatogabye, Lord Mayor Lukwago, and ED Buzeki each planted a tree at City Hall as a symbol of Kampala’s commitment to a greener and more sustainable future.

The launch of the Kampala Traffic Control Center not only provides a modern solution to congestion but also positions Uganda as a regional leader in smart city innovations.