Jinja: In an effort to enhance road safety, traffic in Jinja is being sensitized about speeding through a dynamic speed feedback sign. This innovative approach detects and displays the speed of approaching vehicles, promoting adherence to speed limits.
The initiative, led by CooP-Uganda, aims to raise awareness about the impact of speeding on road safety. Research has shown that significant speed differences between motorized and non-motorized transport are a major contributor to accidents.
Launching the move on Friday at Jinja’s Main Street, Mr. Edgar Kabale, a General Manager at Coop-Uganda highlighted the key objectives of the initiative which include reducing speeding by motorized vehicles. He said it would improve road safety for all users, especially non-motorized transport and also promote adherence to speed limits.
“We aim to Install dynamic speed feedback signs along all Jinja busy roads and we shall also make data collection on the impact of this cause,” Mr. Kabale told reporters.
He said that there would be a presentation of results on World Bicycle Day (June 3rd, 2025) which shall be celebrated worldwide. Jinja City shall once again witness excitement from non-motorized road users who celebrate the day by closing roads for cycling and walking.
According to Mr. Kabale, CooP-Uganda is working closely with Jinja City to identify challenges and opportunities for improving the cycling climate in Jinja.
The partnership and establishment of the speed limit machine would show off increased awareness about the importance of speed limits, reduced speeding by motorized vehicles and improved road safety for all users.
Inspector of Police Shaban Teeko, Deputy OC Traffic of Jinja City, attributed major accidents in town to overspeeding and reckless driving.
“Many drivers lack knowledge of speed limits, especially in busy areas like town, which can lead to loss of lives,” he said.
Teeko urged drivers to respect speed limits on roads, emphasizing that this would be a proactive step in minimizing road accidents.
According to Ms. Hellen Kakungulu from Coop-Uganda, a study revealed that drivers in Jinja disregard speed limits, posing a threat to other road users. On the Jinja-Kampala Expressway, where the recognized speed limit is 50km/h, drivers often double this limit.
This reckless behavior is not limited to the highway but also observed on Kiira Road and Jinja’s Main Street.
“Our research showed that the fastest driver on the Jinja-Kampala highway reached speeds of 120km/h, more than double the limit,” she said, highlighting the danger this poses.
By promoting road safety and responsible driving practices, this initiative aims to make Jinja roads safer and more pleasant for all users.
