ROAD accidents are a significant concern in Uganda, with statistics showing a persistent increase in fatalities and injuries.
While government through the traffic police is playing a very crucial role in maintaining roads safety, there’s need for collective effort from all sectors of society.
The vice president Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo highlighted that road safety is more than an individual concern. “it is a collective responsibility which calls for a shift in mindset and a recognition that every choice we make on the road matters,” she said.
While addressing stakeholders, during a road safety run in Katakwi district yesterday Alupo emphasized that road safety also demands leadership, collaboration, and community engagement to create a safer environment for all.
“It is a privilege to join you at this remarkable event, “Run and Community Sensitization on Road Safety.” Today, we gather not only to celebrate health, fitness, and the strength of community but also to address an issue that touches every one of us—road safety,” she said.
The VP stressed that road safety is not just a topic of discussion but a matter of urgency, responsibility, and shared humanity.
“Every year, far too many lives are lost to road accidents, and countless others are left forever altered yet many of these could have been prevented through greater awareness, better enforcement, and responsible behavior,” she said.
Alupo stressed that each one of these incidents represents not just a statistic but a story of heartbreak, loss, missed opportunities, a family torn apart, dreams unfulfilled, and communities left to grieve.
In 2021, there were an estimated 1.19 million road traffic deaths globally with a majority of the affected individuals aged 5–29 years.
In 2023, Uganda recorded 4,806 road crash fatalities, an increase from 4,534 in the previous year. This translates to 13 deaths per day due to road accidents. Pedestrians and motorcyclists are among the most affected groups, with over 1,700 pedestrian fatalities reported in 2023.
Alupo told the gathering which consisted mainly boda-boda riders and the civil society that road safety is a matter of life and death. She noted that every year, countless lives are lost to road accidents and this road safety run reminds us that each of us has a role to play in making our roads safer.
Whether as drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, or motorcyclists, our actions on the road affect not only our own lives but the lives of others she said.
“Today’s run is symbolic. With every step you took, you carried forward a message—one that calls for responsibility, vigilance, and respect for the rules of the road. Through this run, we also honor the lives lost to road accidents and renew our commitment to reducing these tragedies”, she said.
To achieve safer roads, the vice president called upon all stakeholders to focus on three following key areas:
Education and Awareness: Teaching everyone, especially our young ones, about road safety is essential. Campaigns like this one bring attention to the importance of wearing helmets, using seatbelts, and adhering to speed limits.
Stronger Enforcement: Our laws and regulations must be upheld with consistency and fairness. Traffic rules exist not as restrictions but as safeguards.
Community Involvement: Events like this prove that road safety is not just the government’s responsibility but a collective effort. When communities come together, change becomes inevitable.
Encouraging Personal Responsibility
Ultimately, road safety begins with each of us. As drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists, we must act with care and respect for others on the road. Let us be reminded that every action we take has the potential to save—or endanger—a life.
She said today we ran with purpose and hope. Let it be starting point for change. Let today’s event be more than a moment. Let it inspire a movement. A movement that starts with us, spreads to our families, and ultimately transforms our society. Let us pledge to prioritize safety, to lead by example, and to demand accountability—from ourselves and from each other.
Alupo urged everyone to leave with a renewed commitment to road safety. “Share what you have learned, advocate for safer practices, and remember: together, we can save lives,” she urged.
She expressed gratitude to the organizers, partners and participants who made this event possible saying their dedication reflects the essence of community spirit and the power of collective action.
Alupo thanked all those who contributed and made the road safety event possible (MTN, Banks Micro finance support Centre, DFCU, Stanbic, local businesses, churches, well-wishers, health work, public servant etc.)
“Thank you for your dedication to this cause and for being part of this event. Let us walk away today not only informed but empowered to create safer roads for all,” she said.
Alupo appealed to them to continue working together to make road safety a reality in our communities and beyond.
She however appealed to the Ministry of Works and Transport to install speed humps on black spots at Ocorimongin cattle market, Olela center along Usuk road and Abela along Soroti – Moroto highway stressing the need for urgent action.
She also called on the police to increase checkpoints during market days and sensitize road users on safety measures to avoid accidents.
To promote road safety, Alupo encouraged boda-boda riders to adopt a saving culture to maintain their motorcycles and prevent future occurrences.
In a significant development, Alupo revealed that the katakwi general hospital will be renovated and new installations will occur including construction of a new theatre in Katakwi District, serving the entire region. The hospital will feature an accident and emergency unit, X-ray and imaging facilities, and modern doctors’ accommodations.
Meanwhile, Dr. Icumar Simon Omeke, Katakwi District Health Officer, revealed alarming statistics, stating that the hospital has recorded over 400 cases of accidents and 1000 victims in all facilities.
He emphasized that only 5% of accident cases are managed in the Teso sub-region, with even Soroti Regional Referral Hospital lacking an equipped emergency unit.
Regional Traffic Officer, Mathius Okwir however, announced plans to start sensitizing communities on road use.
Okwir urged the public to fight against reckless driving and overloaded vehicles stretching that, they are starting to crack down overloaded market vehicles which are also prone to casing accidents and deaths.
Other speakers, including Bosco Okiror, MP for Usuk County, and RDC Vincent Okwi, emphasized the need for road users to take responsibility for their actions and adhere to traffic regulations. They also called for the Ministry of Works and Transport to construct speed humps on black spots and for boda-boda riders to improve their savings culture.
The event was a show of solidarity and commitment to reducing road accidents in Katakwi District. As one speaker noted, “Accidents are the easiest way to die when not prepared. Let us work together to prevent them,” they noted.
The katakwi district LCV Geoffrey Omolo who was also among the runners told the gathering that, One day, Katakwi general registered 40 accident cases caused by motorists, but not cars as usual.
He state that, most road users don’t have their senses whenever they are on the road which may lead to accidents.
Last year, on 23rd December, I talked to motorists about accidents, but the same day, one motorist died, believed to be carrying a bottle of beer while riding.
He asked the regional traffic officer to start enforcement on road use noting that Some people ride with depression, stress, which is a major cause of accidents in Katakwi district.
People should also be trained on accident management and first aid to avoid deaths as they are always the first to reach at the accident scene and start carrying victims without identifying injured areas on the body.
Omolo also called upon Ministry of works to construct humps on the black spots which he believes may reduce on road accidents.
In a bid to reduce the alarming rate of road accidents, the Ministry of Works during the run pledged to take immediate action on the black spots.
Edward Kizito, Senior Road Safety Officer at the Ministry, confirmed that speed humps will be installed on black spots by Monday, this move comes as a response to Vice President Jessica Alupo’s urgent call to action, emphasizing the need to prioritize road safety.
Kizito said that, he Ministry’s is commitment to enhancing road safety is a welcome development, and the swift implementation of this measure is expected to have a positive impact on road users.
