Safety First: A Kampala Woman’s Guide to Night Driving

There’s something different about Kampala after dark. The sounds change, the roads thin out, and the familiar city shows a new face, one that many of us are never truly prepared for. I learned that the hard way.
It was just another weekday evening. A late work meeting had run over, and my friend Joy needed a lift to Kanyanya. I hesitated initially. I’d always avoided driving at night, with too many horror stories and risks. But that day, I shrugged it off. Joy’s hope was in me. “It’s just one trip,” I thought. “How bad could it be?“ I found out.

Night Driving in Kampala Is Not for the Unprepared

I left the city around 11 pm. At first, everything seemed fine. The usual traffic was gone, which honestly felt like a relief. The road was clear, and I thought, maybe this won’t be so bad after all.

Then I reached the unlit parts of the journey, and that’s when the trouble began.

A pothole the size of a basin near Makerere caught me entirely off guard. Boda bodas came flying out of nowhere, some without any lights. The streets were unevenly lit-one minute I could see clearly, the next I was driving blind. At one point, a dog darted across the road, and I had to swerve sharply. My heart stopped. For a second, I thought I’d lose control.

By the time I arrived in Kanyanya, my palms were soaked with sweat. I was shaking, not just from fear, but from the realisation that I was utterly unprepared. My headlights were dim and barely cutting through the darkness. My windows fogged up, further reducing visibility. Worst of all, Joy’s phone battery had died, and I had intentionally left my phone at home. I hadn’t told anyone where I was going or what route I was taking. I had taken the drive too lightly, and it nearly cost me.

Since That Night, Everything Changed

I no longer treat night driving as “just another trip.” It’s not. In Kampala, the roads after dark come with their own set of rules. Whether you’re heading to a late-night event, rushing to see family, or stuck working late, it pays-literally-to be prepared.
Here’s what I’ve learned, and what every woman driving at night in Kampala should know:

Before You Drive: Prepare as if Your Life Depends on It, Because it might.

• Check your headlights and brake lights –Make sure they’re working and bright enough. Kampala streets are poorly lit in many areas, so your lights are your eyes.
• Clean your windscreen and mirrors – Dirt and smudges cause glare and reduce visibility at night. Fogged-up windows can be dangerous, especially in Uganda’s humid climate.
• Keep your phone charged, and always carry a power bank. If you break down or get lost, you’ll need to make a call.
• Tell someone your route, a friend, partner, or sibling. A quick “I’m heading to XYZ via XYZ” could be a lifesaver.
• Know your way -Don’t rely solely on GPS. Some areas have poor signals or unclear road signs. Study the route before you leave.

On the Road: Defensive Driving Is the Key:

• Stay alert for unpredictable road users: Boda bodas, stray animals, and pedestrians crossing in the dark without warning.
• Drive slower than usual: Night vision is reduced. Extra time is needed to react to obstacles, potholes, or sudden stops.
• Maintain distance: from the car ahead and especially from boda riders who often weave unpredictably.
• Avoid distractions: This isn’t the time to change playlists or text. Keep your hands on the wheel and stay focused.

Pack a Simple Night Safety Kit. It doesn’t need to be fancy. Just ensure you always have:

• A bright torch or flashlight
• Reflective jacket (in case you step out of the car)
• Basic first-aid kit
• Emergency contact list (written down, not just on your phone)
• A small bottle of water and a snack, in case you’re stranded longer than expected

And here’s the most powerful tip I can give: Don’t do it if you don’t have to. If you’re too tired, unfamiliar with the area, or feeling uneasy about the trip, reschedule or get help. Call a trusted friend, use a reputable ride service, or delay until morning. Your safety outweighs any appointment or favour.

Night Driving Demands Respect

The night I drove to Kanyanya, I thought I was being helpful. What I didn’t realise was that I was gambling with my safety. It wasn’t fear; it was honesty. Driving at night, especially in Kampala, is a different experience. It’s not about bravery or proving anything. It’s about being smart.

So, to every busy, bold, beautiful woman reading this: You’ve got a million things on your plate. But never let night driving be the one thing you do carelessly. Prepare, plan, and protect yourself.

You deserve to arrive safely, always.