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Best Urban Speed Limit Guide for Foreign Drivers in Uganda- If you’re planning a self-drive safari or renting a car during your stay in Uganda, understanding local speed limits is essential. Uganda has recently begun strictly enforcing speed limits in cities, towns, and trading centres to improve road safety.
Whether you’re navigating Kampala, cruising through Jinja, or driving toward national parks, knowing these limits helps you stay safe, avoid fines, and enjoy a stress-free journey.
Why Uganda’s Speed Limits Matter for Visitors
Uganda’s roads can be lively and unpredictable, especially in built-up areas filled with pedestrians, cyclists, and boda bodas (motorcycle taxis). To reduce accidents and improve traffic flow, authorities have introduced firm urban speed regulations under the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS).
These rules aim to:
Protect pedestrians and cyclists.
Reduce accident rates and road fatalities.
Encourage responsible driving in high-traffic areas.
Foreign drivers are expected to follow the same regulations as locals, and violations are automatically tracked under Uganda’s Express Penalty System (EPS Auto).
Official Urban Speed Limits in Uganda
Speed limits vary depending on your vehicle type and where you’re driving. As a tourist, you’ll likely rent a passenger car or 4×4 SUV, so these are the key numbers to remember:
| Type of Vehicle | Urban Roads | Highways in Urban Areas |
| Passenger cars & SUVs | 30 km/h | 50 km/h |
| Motorcycles, tricycles, quadricycles | 30 km/h | 50 km/h |
| Public service vehicles, large vans | 30 km/h | 50 km/h |
| Vehicles towing trailers | 30 km/h | 50 km/h |
| Light goods vehicles (pickups) | 30 km/h | 50 km/h |
| Medium goods vehicles | 30 km/h | 50 km/h |
| Heavy goods vehicles (trucks, buses) | 30 km/h | 40 km/h |
| Tractors | 30 km/h | 40 km/h |
| Tractors with trailers or engineering vehicles | 30 km/h | 30 km/h |
In short: the maximum speed in most urban areas is 30 km/h, and 50 km/h on highways that pass through towns.
What This Means for Tourists and Self-Drive Travelers
If you’re renting a car for self-drive in Uganda, it’s crucial to respect these limits—especially in busy urban zones like Kampala, Entebbe, and Mbarara, or towns near safari destinations such as Fort Portal, Kabale, and Kasese.
Speed cameras and mobile police patrols monitor most major roads. Violations are automatically recorded, and fines are processed electronically through EPS Auto. Rental companies may require you to clear any penalties before returning the vehicle.
Common Penalties for Speeding in Uganda
The Express Penalty System (EPS) enforces traffic laws through instant fines. If you’re caught speeding:
A fine is issued electronically.
Your details are logged in the ITMS system.
The rental company may deduct the fine from your deposit or charge you directly.
To avoid such issues, always drive within the limits and keep an eye out for road signs marking urban zones.
Practical Tips for Safe Driving in Uganda
Driving in Uganda can be exciting—but also requires patience and awareness. Keep these tips in mind:
- Follow all speed limits. Even when the road looks empty, enforcement cameras are active.
- Look for signs. Speed limit boards are often posted at town entrances and along highways.
- Stay alert. Expect pedestrians, cyclists, and animals crossing roads in trading centres.
- Ask before you drive. Confirm with your rental provider which limits apply to your vehicle type.
- Have contacts handy. In case of traffic issues, contact ITMS via +256 743 345 084 or visit portal.itms.ug.
Driving cautiously ensures your safety and keeps your Ugandan adventure worry-free.
Exploring Uganda by Road
Uganda offers incredible driving experiences—from lakeside highways to mountain roads leading to national parks. Renting a car gives you freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace.
By respecting local speed laws, you can enjoy scenic routes to destinations like Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, all while staying safe and compliant with regulations.
How to Book a Car with Supreme Car Rental Uganda
Planning to explore Uganda by road? Supreme Car Rental Uganda offers safe, reliable, and fully-insured rental vehicles for both tourists and business travelers. Choose from self-drive or chauffeur-driven options, with flexible booking terms and 24/7 customer support.
To book your car:
Call or WhatsApp: +256-742874045
Email: info@supremecarrentaluganda.com
Drive safe. Drive smart. Experience Uganda with Supreme Car Rental Uganda — your trusted partner on every road
