In a move aimed at enhancing road safety and reducing traffic-related incidents, the Government of Uganda, through the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS) and the Express Penalty System (EPS Auto), has officially introduced maximum speed limits for all types of vehicles in urban areas, trading centres, and other built-up zones.
This regulation, backed by various government bodies including the Ministry of Works and Transport, Uganda Police Force, and Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), targets areas where traffic congestion, pedestrian activity, and economic activity are high—making speed management critical to safety.
Why the Speed Limits Matter
Speeding has consistently been one of the leading causes of road traffic accidents in Uganda. With increasing urbanization and more vehicles on the road, the need for regulated driving behavior is more urgent than ever. These newly enforced speed limits are designed to:
- Enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists
- Reduce the frequency and severity of accidents
- Improve traffic flow in busy areas
Detailed Urban Speed Limits by Vehicle Type
The chart outlines maximum permissible speeds for different types of vehicles both on urban roads and on highways passing through urban areas.
| Type of Vehicle | Urban Road Limit (km/h) | Highway in Urban Area Limit (km/h) |
| 1. Motor vehicles constructed to carry passengers and dual-purpose vehicles | 30 | 50 |
| 2. Motorcycles, tricycles, and quadricycles | 30 | 50 |
| 3. Public service vehicles and private omnibuses (with more than 8 passengers) | 30 | 50 |
| 4. Motor vehicles and dual-purpose vehicles drawing trailers | 30 | 50 |
| 5. Light goods vehicles | 30 | 50 |
| 6. Medium goods vehicles | 30 | 50 |
| 7. Heavy goods vehicles | 30 | 40 |
| 8. Tractors | 30 | 40 |
| 9. Tractors drawing trailers | 30 | 30 |
| 10. Engineering plant vehicles | 30 | 30 |
Key Highlights
- Uniform Urban Limit: Almost all vehicle categories must adhere to a 30 km/h limit on standard urban roads.
- Adjusted Highway Limits: Higher speeds are allowed on highways that pass through urban areas, with most categories capped at 50 km/h. However, heavy vehicles and tractors have lower maximums to reflect their handling and braking limitations.
- Special Restrictions: Engineering plant vehicles and tractors drawing trailers are limited to 30 km/h in all cases due to safety concerns and operational constraints.
Enforcement and Compliance
To ensure compliance, Uganda’s traffic enforcement authorities are now equipped with intelligent monitoring systems. The Express Penalty System (EPS Auto) will be used to automatically capture violations and issue penalties. Drivers are urged to stay informed and drive within the legal limits to avoid fines and more importantly, to save lives.
For more information, the public can contact ITMS via +256 743 345 084 or visit portal.itms.ug.
