Car involved in accident in Uganda- Courtesy photo
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KAMPALA– Police records have indicated that during last seven days, 65 people died and 338 sustained injuries in accidents on Ugandan roads.

According to the Traffic Police department spokesman SP Kananura Michael, among the dead were 29 motorcyclists, 18 pedestrians, 7 passengers in motor vehicles, 4 passengers on motor cycles, 3 pedal cyclists, 3 others and 1 Driver. 

SP Kananura adds that motorcycles alone contributed to 45% of the total fatalities.

Furthermore, SP Kananura pointed out that the major crashes were:- Careless overtaking that contributed 26% of the total crashes, Speeding contributed to 19% of the total crashes.

The notable ones were, on the 19th May 2024 at 04:30pm at River Namatala bridge along Naboa-Butaleja Road a single fatal crash involving M/V UAM 969P T/IPSUM, was registered and it claimed the lives of seven (07) people.

The crash occurred when the driver of the said vehicle while on his way from Mpigi to Butaleja carrying 7 passengers and himself making a total of 8 occupants in the vehicle, while at Naboa along Naboa-Butaleja Road in Budaka District lost control and drowned into the waters of River Namatala, leading to loss of 7 people due to drowning. At first, only six bodies had been found but later late in the evening, 1 which was missing was also found whereas the driver managed to get out the vehicle through the open glass of his door un injured.

Bodies were removed and taken to Budaka HC IV & postmortem was done as the motorvehicle was towed to Budaka Police station pending IOVs Inspection. The cause according to the preliminary report, is said that the driver was fatigued and dosed off making him losing control.

In a bdi to curtail the trend, Police is now encouraging Boda-boda riders especially those without reflective jackets and helmets to do so or they are apprehended, those without valid licenses i.e out of class, expired and those without at all to renew so that they operate legally.

The Police is also promising to crack on individuals using illegal sirens, roof lights, modified lights and violation of one way rules as well as those speeding and that road safety sensitizations to promote behavioral change are also set continue in this regard.

According to Kanaura, during this week, there are a number of activities that are likely to affect the normal flow of traffic across the country. These include the processions of the pilgrims to Namugongo and children going back to schools.

The Directorate of Traffic & Road safety therefore reminds all road users of the following road safety tips for the safety of every road user.

For Pedestrians, “Be visible by wearing bright or reflective clothing to make yourself visible to drivers. Follow traffic rules by obeying traffic signals, pedestrians’ signs and markings where they are available. Use designated crossing points, zebra crossing where they are available. Look left, right and left again before crossing a road, check for traffic in both directions before you cross”.

“Avoid distractions; put away your phone and avoid listening to music while, texting while walking on the road. Stay alert, be aware of your surroundings and watch out for potential hazards. Use pedestrians’ paths; use designated pedestrian paths and sidewalks where available. Be cautious at night; be extra careful when walking at night, as visibility is reduced. Let’s teach our children road safety rules and hold their hands when crossing roads”.

For pilgrims; “We encourage you to move in teams or groups for easy monitoring, these groups will be led by the traffic officers who will be handing them over to next traffic officers in their command. Your Groups should keep the left side of the road. Use the footpaths if there is one. Persons wearing bright or light colored clothing preferably a high-visibility jacket with reflective strips should be positioned at the front and back of the group to watch out for traffic”.

“We also encourage well-wishers to give to them reflectors to enable them be visible to motorists especially in the night”.

For motorists; “Observe the speed limits. Be on the lookout for pedestrians who can suddenly appear on the road from nowhere. Avoid distractions; don’t let phones, radio, etc distract you from your job as a driver. Follow traffic rules; always follow traffic rules, signs and signals and be considerate to other road users.

Stay alert; always be aware of your surroundings and the behavior of other motorists. Ensure you have your driving or riding license. Never drink and drive

Avoid loading excess passengers/pillion riding. Be sure of the condition of your motor vehicle before you put on the road. Wear your crash helmet.

Be visible by wearing reflective jacket to make yourself visible to other road users. Exercise the utmost discipline and patience on the road. Remember, road safety is a shared responsibility. By following these tips, you can reduce your risk of crashes and stay safe while using the road.

The Public can Report Traffic Violation and other complaints on our Toll Free Number 0800199099. Whatsapp 077999999 & Social media platforms. Report the discipline of the officer on 0773815326