The Uganda Police has issued a fresh warning to all road users, reminding them that ignorance of traffic laws is no defence if caught speeding. This comes as enforcement of the Traffic and Road Safety (Prescription of Speed Limits) Regulations, 2024 gets underway.
Faridah Nampiima, the Public Relations Officer for the Police Traffic Directorate, shared the updated speed limits and urged drivers to slow down and stay informed.
“Ignorance of the law is no excuse. Let’s pick something here it might save you tomorrow,” Nampiima said.
She noted that the maximum speed limit for urban roads is now 30km/h, while highways passing through urban areas have a cap of 50km/h for both vehicles and motorcycles.
For paved roads, speed limits range between 30km/h and 90km/h, depending on vehicle classification, and 60km/h for motorcycles. On gravel roads, vehicles are restricted to 30km/h to 60km/h, while motorcycles must not exceed 30km/h.
Community access roads now carry a blanket speed limit of 30km/h for all vehicle types. Expressways and dual carriageways have limits ranging from 40km/h to 100km/h, again depending on the type of vehicle.
Nampiima cautioned that exceeding these limits is a punishable offence:
“A person who contravenes any provision in the regulation commits an offence and can be held liable upon conviction,” she said.
She also emphasized the shared role in promoting safer roads:
“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. Slowing down significantly reduces the severity of accidents and saves lives.”
The police continue to conduct enforcement checks across the country to ensure compliance with the new speed regulations.
