WEEK OF ROAD CARNAGE: 71 killed, 333 injured in 7 days

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Traffic police statistics reveal that 71 people were killed and 333 injured in road crashes over the past seven days. Among the deceased are 29 pedestrians and 28 motorcyclists, while the rest were passengers on motorcycles or vehicles.

Superintendent of Police, Michael Kananura, the traffic police spokesperson, identified three major causes of these crashes: careless overtaking (26%), speeding (21%), and following too closely (10%).

“We urge pedestrians to always cross at designated crossing points. When you reach the Zebra crossing, stop and look at both sides of the road before you cross. We also urge drivers and motorcyclists to respect these Zebra crossings,” SP Kananura stated.

Several Zebra crossings in Kampala, such as those at the Postal Office on Kampala Road, Uganda Management Institute (UMI), and Nakawa near the URA exit road, have been identified as dangerous for pedestrians. Many pedestrians are struck at these crossings because drivers and motorcyclists do not respect them, despite their visibility. Recently, a woman named Christine was fatally hit while crossing at a Zebra point along Jinja Highway near UMI’s entrance, sparking a debate on X (formerly Twitter).

The discussion highlighted the need for raised Zebra crossings instead of painted ones, arguing that raised crossings would compel drivers to slow down. In response to ongoing traffic violations, the police announced the resumption of operations against bodaboda riders without valid driving licenses. “If you don’t have a driving license or if you have an expired driving license, you will be our target. Also, bodaboda riders without crash helmets and reflector jackets will not be spared,” SP Kananura said.

The police, in partnership with other agencies, have conducted refresher training for 1,500 drivers and motorcyclists in Hoima City and plan to extend this training to other regions. This initiative follows a Kigezi regional traffic sensitization workshop where more than 3,000 pupils received road safety tips.

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