The streets of Kampala 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.
Eng. Fortunate Biira, the Ag. Supervisor Public Transport, KCCA said, “Car-Free Day is not only about reducing traffic and emissions but also about saving lives. We are happy to have ITMS as a key partner of this year’s car free day to stand with the community, making our roads safer through both technology and education.”
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, the 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.”
A Vision for a Safer Kampala
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.
ITMS Leads with Innovative Solutions
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.
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