Road safety researcher identifies Kampala Junctions as major black spots

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | As the Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA) undertakes the redesign of numerous roads, converting some roundabouts into T-junctions, Esther Bayiga, a Research Associate at the Trauma, Injuries and Disability (TRIAD) Unit of Makerere University, cautions that such junctions are high-risk locations for pedestrian safety.

Bayiga presented her findings during her PhD defense, which focused on analyzing the patterns of pedestrian injuries and fatalities in relation to land use, transportation, and socio-economic factors in Kampala. She emphasized the urgent need for government policies to mitigate pedestrian crashes, noting that her research identified the most significant black spots around business areas and junctions near markets along arterial roads.

In her study, Bayiga engaged in focused group discussions with 14 groups, including market vendors, Boda Boda riders, university students, traffic police officers, and taxi drivers, to assess road users’ perceptions and identify factors contributing to injuries and deaths.

The findings revealed that the majority of crashes in Kampala occur in the evening, prompting Bayiga to stress the importance of recognizing that streets serve everyone and the need for responsible management of these limited spaces, particularly since pedestrians are often the most vulnerable near markets.

Bayiga’s findings align with estimates from Uganda Police, which indicate that pedestrians represent the highest percentage of road fatalities at 44%. Police reports estimate that thirteen individuals die daily from road crashes in Uganda. In 2023, pedestrian fatalities totaled 1,675, while motorcyclists accounted for 1,520 deaths, motorcycle passengers 614, vehicle passengers 324, and drivers 232. Notably, deaths among motorcycle passengers increased from 552 in 2022 to 614 in 2023.

In examining ways to reduce road crash fatalities, Bayiga pointed to the non-motorized corridor implemented on Namirembe Road, which previously experienced high crash rates but has since seen a reduction in incidents.  She recommends that policymakers prioritize safer road use strategies, such as road modifications, rather than solely relying on behavioral change initiatives.

However, Dr. Paul Mukwaya, a Lecturer at Makerere University, argues that behavioral change is crucial, as reckless driving continues to result in numerous deaths. Dr. John Bosco Isunju, a Senior Lecturer in Makerere University’s Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, highlights the pressing issue of law enforcement in Uganda. He suggests that Uganda could learn from neighboring Rwanda, where measures like zebra crossings are more effectively implemented compared to their situation in Uganda.

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