Kampala is a fun place and you’re guaranteed to enjoy it to the maximum whether during day and night. But, if you are to drive around this bustling Capital of Uganda, you need to be smart and know how to find your way around.
Kampala is one of the most congested cities in Africa and driving here in the morning or evening hours can pose a great challenger to newbies.
In summary driving in Kampala is not for the faint hearted. Leaving alone the ever stuck vehicles in traffic congestion, driving past impatient bodaboda (motorcycle) riders and proud commuter taxi drivers can be hectic.
It requires patience and high level of consciousness to avoid being scratched if not damaged by other road users. You should note the following before hitting on the drive to Kampala.
Get ready for a challenge with Taxi Drivers & Bodabodas Riders
It’s estimated that Kampala is visited by close to 2 million people per day that go for business, work, shopping and other hustles. Besides that, a bulk of Ugandans relocate to Kampala every single day in search for a better life. This all means crowding the city. This is why there are several means of transportation: private cars, trucks, passenger taxis, motorcycles, bicycles among others in in this small city.
Bodabodas in Kampala riding in different directions
Among all these, the commuter Taxis and Bodabodas are a lot to handle and are ready to ruin your day anytime. Most of these drivers usually don’t own them, so they don’t mind if it gets a scratch or lose a side mirror, hence, they’re ready to hit you from any angle in chase for passengers. In order to return home with your sanity and without drama, you need to learn how to play Good Cop Bad Cop! Know when to be nice and let them pass with their trouble and also know when to channel your inner tout.
Obey traffic rules
Yes, you will find a number of bad drivers in Kampala that don’t follow traffic rules but don’t do the same as they do. It might not be your lucky day as well. At times even breaking a small rule can put you in face of getting diplomatic with any traffic official on the watch. Some of them have been waiting to nail you and get some exorbitant amount, so if you get caught, don’t scream and try to claim any rights. Step out of your car, speak to them, get to know their demands and find ways to negotiate reasonably.
There are times you can be unlucky with negotiations and you get parked at the nearby police station. Therefore it is better to obey traffic laws at all time.
Always ask for directions when you’re not sure about your destination
Relying on maps can sometimes be tricky. You may sometimes get confused of the routes to your destination. In such a scenario, feel free to ask for directions. It is better you ask more than one person since not all you find in Rome are Romans. Secondly, people are always confident in their knowledge of their city as it might hurt their pride if they say no to a stranger who asks for direction, thus may still show you the ways they have no clue of.
Get ready for Traffic Jam
Traffic in Kampala is always high, so get ready for the delays. By standards, the national average can be 15 vehicles per kilometer, but in Uganda’s capital and nearby cities, we can have an average of 150 vehicles per every kilometer of road.
Heavy Traffic Mess in Kampala
However, some days like Sunday and hours (11am – 3pm) during each day can be with moderate traffic but in most cases, the rush hour and days like Monday, Friday and Saturday is inevitable.
Avoid downtown routes if you’re a new driver
Driving in Kampala isn’t for the faint hearted so if you’re new, avoid downtown places like Kisenyi, St Balikuddembe market, Namirembe road etc. These places are always crowded with people and crazy Bodaboda riders as well as snatchers. If you must go there, be ready to take in some insults from these guys who would notice every slight mistake you make. Also don’t forget to drive with windows up and doors locked all time or else keep your valuables out of sight from passersby who some are not good people.
