KAMPALA, Uganda — In a significant step toward modernizing urban infrastructure, the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has commissioned East Africa’s first-ever Traffic Control Center. The Shs 47 billion (USD 24 million) facility, which was launched at City Hall on Tuesday morning, is designed to ease congestion and improve transport efficiency in the city.
The state-of-the-art center was officially opened by Japan’s Ambassador to Uganda, Takuya Sasayama, and was implemented in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under the “Improvement of Traffic Control in Kampala” program.
Speaking at the ceremony, State Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hon. Kabuye Kyofatogabye, described the initiative as a practical response to the city’s transport challenges. “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,” he said.
KCCA Executive Director, Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, stated that the system is already connected to 30 intersections, allowing for the real-time monitoring and management of traffic. She added that the authority plans to expand its coverage and eventually integrate artificial intelligence.
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Ambassador Sasayama called the project a timely intervention for a city struggling with urban challenges, while Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago hailed it as a “monument on Kampala’s skyline” that marks a step toward smart urban living.
JICA’s country representative, Yoichi Inoue, emphasized the resilience it took to deliver the project during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting its potential to improve productivity and cut pollution. The new facility is equipped with modern traffic monitoring systems and data-driven management models, which officials say will enhance enforcement capacity, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve road safety.
To commemorate the launch, Ambassador Sasayama, Minister Kyofatogabye, Lord Mayor Lukwago, and KCCA’s Executive Director planted trees at City Hall, symbolizing a commitment to a greener Kampala.
