The streets of Kampala were transformed into a pedestrian paradise during the Kampala Car Free Day, an event held in commemoration of World Car-Free Day.
This initiative, led by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) in partnership with Intelligent Transport Monitoring Systems (ITMS), aimed to promote active mobility, road safety through digital transformation, improve air quality, and enhance the city’s overall livability.
The event featured a range of activities, including road safety sensitizations led by the Uganda Traffic Police, street play sessions, picnics, skating, skipping games, and a bicycle race with categories for men, women, and children. Road users, residents, and visitors thronged the city center to celebrate the vibrant, car-free atmosphere.
Michael Kananura, the Uganda Traffic Police spokesperson, highlighted the urgent need for road safety, stating, “Every day, Uganda loses two school-going children due to reckless driving.” He urged parents and road users to prioritize safety, particularly by using zebra crossings in urban areas like Kampala. “Motorists and drivers must remain vigilant to protect lives,” Kananura emphasized.
Muhindo Asuman Ambrose Kyibanzanga, General Secretary of the Kampala Boda Boda Association, praised ITMS and KCCA for their collaborative efforts in raising road safety awareness. “ITMS has been at the forefront of sensitizing the public on digital transformation in transport since its inception. Thanks to their advocacy, road crashes have significantly decreased,” Kyibanzanga noted. He further appealed to motorists to adhere to traffic regulations, stating, “Why do we fight with police and road enforcers when we can simply observe the law? I urge stakeholders to reinstate automated traffic penalties to hold errant drivers accountable.”
ITMS Leads with Innovative Solutions
Priscah Pearl Ayesiga, ITMS’s Public Relations Officer, underscored the partnership’s focus on empowering road users through awareness and digital innovation. “Every road user—pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists—has the right to safe roads. Unfortunately, reckless behavior has turned our roads into death traps with rising accident rates,” she said. “ITMS is committed to transforming transport through digital solutions, ensuring safer and freer movement for all.”
ITMS’s integration of new number plates with advanced monitoring, video surveillance, data analytics, and control systems has already shown promising results. According to an August 2025 report, the ITMS system assisted the Uganda Police Force in recovering eight stolen vehicles and four motorcycles, returning them to their rightful owners. These efforts highlight ITMS’s critical role in tracking stolen vehicles, identifying road offenders, and enhancing overall road safety.
The Kampala Car Free Day not only fostered community engagement but also underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in building safer, more sustainable urban spaces. With ITMS as a major partner, KCCA’s initiative continues to drive awareness and innovation, paving the way for a safer and more connected Kampala.
