Published on 03/09/2025
At exactly 10:20 a.m. on Tuesday, Kampala marked a historic milestone as the Japanese Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Takuya Sasayama, officially opened the city’s state-of-the-art Traffic Control Center and unveiled its plaque.
The facility, valued at UGX 47 billion (about USD 24 million), is the first of its kind in East Africa and will play a transformative role in easing traffic congestion, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting Uganda’s mass transportation programs.
State Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hon. Kabuye Kyofatogabye, hailed the project as a practical solution to the city’s transport challenges.
“This center supports government programs on mass transportation and will go a long way in reducing emissions and improving the quality of life for city dwellers,” Kyofatogbye said.
Ambassador Sasayama, while congratulating the people of Kampala on the achievement, described the center as a timely intervention for a city grappling with complex 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 I hope this facility makes their efforts much easier,” Sasayama noted.
KCCA Executive Director, Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, said the project represents a major step toward realizing a smart, livable Kampala powered by technology.
“Connected to 30 intersections across the city, this system will monitor and manage traffic in real time. It is not only for KCCA but also for our partners in the police, researchers, and traffic managers. We are committed to operating it to the highest standards, expanding it, and eventually integrating artificial intelligence,” Buzeki said.
Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago described the center as a “monument on Kampala’s skyline” and a milestone in the city’s journey toward smart urban living.
“This project will reduce emissions, enhance enforcement capacity, and make transport management more efficient. We must celebrate this achievement and thank the government of Japan,” Lukwago remarked.
The project was implemented by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under the Project for the Improvement of Traffic Control in Kampala.
JICA’s Representative in Uganda, Yoichi Inoue, underscored the resilience it took to deliver the facility amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Traffic congestion affects productivity and increases pollution. This facility is a model for the region, and I humbly request that future projects be integrated into this one to maximize impact,” he said.
Engineer-in-Chief, Eng. Stephen Kitonsa, emphasized the advanced tools the facility brings on board, including modern traffic monitoring systems and data-driven traffic management models that will improve road safety and efficiency.
To mark the occasion, Ambassador Sasayama, Minister Kyofatogabye, Lord Mayor Lukwago, and ED Buzeki each planted a tree at City Hall, symbolizing a greener, more sustainable Kampala.
