KAMPALA. In a strategic move to decongest the city’s busiest thoroughfares, the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has announced an immediate suspension of on-street vehicle parking along key sections of Kampala and Jinja Roads.
The directive affects the stretch from Kitgum House on Jinja Road to the Kampala-Entebbe Road junction. According to an official statement, the suspension aims to improve traffic flow, enhance safety for all road users, and bolster mobility within the Central Business District (CBD).
“Motorists are advised to utilize alternative parking locations along Station Road, Dewinton Road, Said Barre, and Nkrumah Road, as well as private parking spaces within the buildings they intend to access,” the KCCA statement noted.
The affected zone is a commercial hub, housing major financial institutions, restaurants, and electronics distributors. The move poses a significant challenge for businesses and clients who rely on street parking for loading and offloading, particularly as many older buildings in the area lack private parking facilities.
On-street parking was first introduced in 1997 as a revenue stream for the city. Despite initial criticism that it would narrow traffic lanes, parking zones were established in 1998 under Green Boat Entertainment. Following the expiration of their contract, Multiplex Limited took over management and has maintained the spaces until this recent policy shift.
KCCA maintains that the trade-off is necessary for a more fluid city. By removing stationary vehicles from these primary arteries, authorities hope to eliminate bottlenecks that have long frustrated commuters entering and exiting the heart of the capital.