Kampala has taken a bold step toward modern urban mobility with the commissioning of East Africa’s first-ever Traffic Control Centre, a UGX 47 billion (USD 24 million) facility designed to tackle congestion, cut emissions, and boost mass transportation systems.
The state-of-the-art centre was officially opened at 10:20 a.m. on Tuesday by the Japanese Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Takuya Sasayama, in a ceremony attended by government leaders, city officials, and development partners.
State Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hon. Kabuye Kyofatogabye, praised the centre as a game-changer for the city.
“This centre 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 said.
Ambassador Sasayama called the facility a timely response to Kampala’s 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 hope this facility makes their efforts much easier,” he remarked.
KCCA Executive Director, Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, emphasised the technology-driven transformation the project brings. “Connected to 30 intersections across the city, this system will monitor and manage traffic in real time. We are committed to operating it to the highest standards, expanding it, and eventually integrating artificial intelligence,” Buzeki said.
Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago hailed the project as a “monument on Kampala’s skyline” and a landmark in the city’s march toward smart urban living.
Implemented by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under the Project for the Improvement of Traffic Control in Kampala, the initiative overcame the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic to deliver a first-of-its-kind solution.
JICA’s Representative in Uganda, Yoichi Inoue, noted the facility’s potential as a regional model for smart transport systems, while Engineer-in-Chief Eng. Stephen Kitonsa highlighted the advanced monitoring and data-driven tools that will enhance road safety and efficiency.
To mark the occasion, Ambassador Sasayama, Minister Kyofatogabye, Lord Mayor Lukwago, and ED Buzeki planted trees at City Hall, symbolising a greener, more sustainable future for Kampala.
