Navigating Kampala, the vibrant capital city of Uganda is often regarded as an extreme sport by Ugandans; many of whom have phobia for driving on these streets. The city is one of the fastest growing in Africa and boasts a rich blend of culture, history, and modernity.
While Kampala is known for its lively streets and spirited locals, driving in this city can be a unique challenge, especially for tourists. The traffic is bustling with varying driving habits, and sometimes confusing road signs that can turn a simple drive into a stressful experience.
This blog post will provide essential tips for tourists who wish to explore Kampala by car, covering traffic guidelines, potential risks, parking regulations, and navigation strategies.
Understanding traffic rules
Before you hit the road, familiarize yourself with Uganda’s traffic laws. In Uganda, vehicles drive on the left side of the road, which many tourists may not be accustomed to. It’s crucial to pay attention to local customs and obey all traffic signs. Keep your seatbelt always fastened, and wearing a seatbelt is mandatory for all passengers.
The speed limit in Kampala is 50Km/hr but do not be surprised when you meet drivers exceeding these limits. Note that the locals know how to manoeuvre and dodge the traffic police but as a tourist, stick to the speed limit; not only to avoid getting in trouble with traffic police but also for your own safety.
Never, ever, drive downtown!
Kampala has two sections; the uptown and downtown. Traffic uptown is very controlled with well labelled road signs, spacious roads and some one-way lanes. Downtown Kampala is the exact opposite. First, it is very congested with both motorists and pedestrians, then the motorcycles that will ride on building pavement.
Since downtown Kampala is the trading capital of the country, expect to find very many vendors, both in the buildings and on the roadside.
Even on foot, downtown is very hard to navigate so imagine driving! You risk having your car scratched or being stuck in traffic for hours. Simple trick; leave the car uptown and walk or take a boda boda if you’re interested in exploring that bustling part of the city.
Understanding Traffic hours
This is a very important consideration if you want to drive in Kampala. The morning and evening rush hours tend to have so much traffic that can last for hours. Driving outside these hours will guarantee you a smooth ride.
Traffic lights and signs
Adherence to traffic signals is essential. Red means stop, green means go, and yellow indicates caution. However, be prepared for potential rule-benders since many local drivers may not always wait for the signal to change. Also always watch out for patrol/escort vehicles with sirens and ambulances because they do not obey the traffic lights.
Right of way
Vehicles coming from your right have the right of way at roundabouts unless otherwise signposted. This is an essential aspect to remember while navigating intersections in Kampala; and other towns for that matter.
Watch out for pedestrians and cyclists
Kampala has a vibrant pedestrian culture, with many locals walking or cycling as their primary modes of transport. Always yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, and be cautious of cyclists who may appear unexpectedly, sharing the road with motor vehicles. The emphasis remains on motorcyclists because they are some of the leading causes of motor accidents and deaths in Kampala, so be very cautious.
Night driving
Since Kampala is a city, driving at night should be safe. However, if you are not familiar with the roads, avoid driving at night. The beauty with driving in the night is that there is no traffic congestion, so the ride is smooth. This however comes with downsides like reckless drivers (DUI), unexpected pedestrians and unlit sections of some roads. Sometimes, the traffic lights on some roads do not work late in the night so be on the look-out for those.
DUI
Driving under the influence in Uganda fetches heavy fines of up to $500 and possible jailtime. Kampala has one of the best night life experiences in East Africa and it is okay to experience it. However, bear in mind that there are always traffic police in areas with so many bars and the use breathalysers (locally known as Kawunyemu) on drivers to test their alcohol levels.
If you drink, do not drive but rather opt for other transport means like UBER for your own safety and safety of other road users. In Kampala, many drivers leave their vehicles with the management of bars/night clubs when they realise, they cannot drive. You can do the same and organise to pick it up the next day once you are sober.
Parking regulations
Understanding where and how to park your vehicle is vital for a stress-free experience while driving in Kampala. There are designated parking lots/garages, and these are generally much safer than street parking.
If you need to park on the street, ensure that you don’t block driveways or park in a no-parking zone. Parking in Kampala is regulated by the Kampala Capital City Authority and enforced by Multiplex. There are enforcement officers who regularly patrol the streets to issue fines for violations and worst-case scenario, your vehicle may be clamped.
Note that all parking fees are not footed by the car rental agency so endeavour to pay your parking fees in time. Also always ask your car rental provider if the vehicle has unpaid parking receipts to avoid overpaying.
Always ensure your vehicle is locked and valuables are out of sight when you leave your car. Both petty theft and vandalism can occur, particularly in areas frequented by tourists.
Navigation tools
Roads in Kampala may be confusing, and it is easy to get lost trying to get around. Get navigation tools like google maps or Waze to provide you with real-time traffic updates and directions.
Also familiarize yourself with key landmarks, as they often serve as important reference points and when you get lost, do not hesitate to ask locals for directions. Ugandans are generally friendly and willing to help but ensure that you are polite and patient.
Avoid Driving during Major Events: Check the local calendar for any significant events like parades or sports matches, as these can lead to extended road closures and heavy traffic. It might be best to utilize public transportation or rideshare services during these times.
Driving in Kampala offers tourists a unique opportunity to experience the city up close, enabling you to discover hidden gems and local flavors off the beaten path. The biggest challenge however is that Kampala is not an easy city to drive in so always be cautious; or just hire a local driver to take you around.