Uganda Police has announced a nationwide reduction of highway speed limits to 90 kilometres per hour as part of a new set of road safety guidelines aimed at curbing the rising number of fatal accidents on major roads.
The Traffic Police, working with the Ministry of Works and Transport said the adjustment will take effect once all highway signposts are updated to reflect the lower limit. Expressways will retain a slightly higher cap of 100km/h, while areas with heavy pedestrian activity such as schools, hospitals and markets will continue to enforce much lower limits for public safety.
Police officials noted that the decision follows a troubling increase in road carnage, with high speed crashes accounting for a significant share of recent fatalities. The new limit, they said, is intended to slow drivers down and reduce both the frequency and severity of collisions on long-distance routes.
The guidelines also form part of a wider enforcement plan expected to include strengthened traffic monitoring and an upgrade of automated speed detection technology. Officers will be required to step up patrols on high risk corridors, while motorists are being urged to adopt safer driving habits.
While acknowledging that the change may initially draw mixed reactions from frequent highway users, Police believe the long term impact will be improved safety for passengers, pedestrians and drivers. The force reiterated its slogan “speed thrills but kills,” calling on road users to prioritise caution over haste.