The suspension of on-street parking along major roads in Kampala has received broad support from members of the public and some motorists, with many describing the move by Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) as long overdue.
By the fourth day of implementation on Monday, motorists and pedestrians reported noticeable improvement in traffic flow along the affected roads, particularly during the usually congested morning rush hours, where long stretches of road remained free from parked vehicles.
The suspension affects the stretch between the Entebbe Road junction on Kampala Road and the Yusuf Lule junction on Jinja Road, covering approximately 1.3 kilometres.
In a public notice issued on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, KCCA said the measure is intended to improve traffic flow, enhance road safety, and support better mobility within Kampala’s Central Business District.
Unlike many previous traffic directives that required heavy deployment of enforcement officers, compliance with the parking suspension appeared largely voluntary during the initial days.
Several city residents welcomed the move and urged KCCA to extend the ban to more roads within the city center, although others questioned whether the observance would be sustained once enforcement weakens.
Some members of the public specifically pointed to boda boda riders as a major challenge, accusing them of occupying gazetted vehicle parking spaces and limiting access for motorists.
Road safety activist Percy Mulamba said many designated parking slots on Nkrumah Road are routinely occupied by motorcycles, leaving motorists stranded.
“Unfortunately, a motorist cannot get a parking slot on Nkrumah Road. All the parking slots are always occupied by bodas,” Mulamba said.
KCCA advised motorists to use alternative parking areas such as Station Road, Dewinton Road, Siad Barre Road, Nkrumah Road, commercial parking buildings, and parking spaces provided within commercial premises.
However, the directive has reignited criticism against KCCA over alleged failure to enforce parking requirements in commercial buildings before issuing occupancy certificates.
Critics argue that although many high-rise buildings are approved with parking provisions, some developers later convert basement parking spaces into shops and stores, worsening the parking shortage in the city. Trade policy advisor Kim Walusimbi criticized what he described as weak enforcement of urban planning standards.
“First approve buildings with standard parking lots, not vice versa. Reverse and reactionary planning is economic sabotage,” Walusimbi said. Others raised concern that motorists unfamiliar with the new restrictions may unknowingly park in prohibited zones unless KCCA clearly marks the affected areas.
In response, KCCA said law enforcement officers will spend one month sensitizing motorists before full enforcement begins. According to the authority, officers will initially focus on guiding and educating motorists before transitioning to strict enforcement against non-compliance-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
