Uganda Police to roll out AI-powered digital traffic enforcement to curb road Accidents

20 December 2025, 7:44 pm

By Baker Okello

In a bid to reduce road accidents across the country, the Uganda Police Traffic and Road Safety Directorate is set to adopt a digital traffic enforcement system that uses artificial intelligence (AI), smart cameras, and sensors to automatically detect traffic violations.

The development was revealed by the Community Liaison Officer under the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, Superintendent of Police (SP) Michael Kananura, during a road safety sensitization workshop held today at Lira City Council Hall.

SP Kananura disclosed that starting next year police will launch a nationwide operation targeting common traffic offenses such as over-speeding, red-light violations, and the use of mobile phones while driving. The system will utilize License Plate Recognition (LPR) technology to issue digital tickets, a move aimed at improving road safety, efficiency, and accountability within traffic enforcement.

He added that the police will continue to strengthen training and capacity building among officers, while also enhancing community policing and public awareness on the proper use and observance of road signs.

Meanwhile, the District Police Commander (DPC) of Lira City Central Police Station, SSP Apollo Kyangungu, who represented the Regional Police Commander for the North Kyoga Region, ACP Wesley Nganizi, said police have instituted several measures to ensure public safety during the festive season.

SSP Apollo noted that police ambulances and patrol vehicles have been deployed during and after the festivities. He urged members of the public to promptly report any road accidents to enable quick response and emergency assistance.

The Coordinator for Defensive Driving and Road Safety Awareness in charge of the Lango Sub-region, Mr. Okao Kizito, said the engagement was aimed at addressing road safety challenges, especially during festive periods when the risk of road crashes significantly increases. He called on participants to act as road safety ambassadors in their respective communities to help fight road carnage.

On the side of road users, Mr. Ogwal Thomas Allan, Chairperson of Gwenos Boda-Boda Stage in Jinja Camp, raised concerns that ongoing road construction and rehabilitation works have failed to provide designated lanes for riders, exposing them to a higher risk of accidents.

In response, Mr. Ogwang Patrick from Gulsan Construction Company accused some boda-boda riders and motorists of ignoring road signage, particularly within construction zones, thereby contributing to accidents.

The road safety workshop brought together local leaders, transport operators, community-based organizations, and traffic police officers from across the Lango Sub-region. Stakeholders expressed hope that the adoption of digital enforcement systems, combined with public awareness and cooperation, will significantly reduce road accidents and improve safety for all road users.