In the week which ended on March 1, 2025, there was a concerning rise in road accidents resulting in fatalities and injuries.
Motorcycle-related incidents were particularly alarming, accounting for 53% of all deaths, while pedestrian accidents followed closely behind, contributing to 23% of the total fatalities.
According to the Amini traffic and road safety weekly report dated between February 23, 2025-March 1, 2025, unsafe overtaking was responsible for 30% of the road crashes, with speeding contributing to 22%.
Additionally, hit-and-run cases made up 13%, while various other factors accounted for the remaining 28%.
One of the most tragic incidents occurred on February 24, 2025, in Tororo, where a motorcycle carrying two female passengers collided with a train en route from Tororo to Malaba.
Michael Kananura, the Community Liaison Officer for the Traffic and Road Safety Directorate, reported that both the rider and one passenger died at the scene, while the other passenger suffered injuries.
“We urge all motorists to exercise extreme caution when approaching railway crossings. Please remember to always stop and give way to trains, as their speed and momentum can be deadly,” he added.
Another tragic accident took place on February 26, 2025, in Namataba, Mukono, on the Jinja-Kampala highway.
According to reports, a cement-laden trailer lost control after hitting a pothole while speeding, resulting in a collision with nearby commercial buildings, a parked trailer, and a residential home.
This devastating incident resulted in the deaths of three pedestrians and left six others injured.
Kananura has called on all drivers to be vigilant and to strictly follow speed limits, especially in urban settings.
“Furthermore, we urge all individuals and businesses operating alongside roads to exercise extreme vigilance and caution. This includes, but is not limited to, vendors, shop owners, and construction personnel. Your safety, as well as that of road users, depends on your ability to remain alert and aware of your surroundings,” he added.
On February 28, 2025, another fatal crash occurred at Lugogo Cricket Oval, opposite 4th Street, along the Kampala-Jinja Highway, where a truck carrying soda, traveling from Kampala, lost control and collided with another motor vehicle and a motorcycle, which were moving in the same direction
The Fuso Fighter truck overturned, landing on the motorcycle, and instantly killed its rider and passenger.
Preliminary investigations suggested that speed, reckless driving, and possible brake failure contributed to the crash.
Kananura urged all motorists to prioritize road safety by ensuring their vehicles are well-maintained, adhering to speed limits, and driving defensively to prevent such tragic incidents.
1,041 traffic offenders arrested
A recent nationwide traffic enforcement operation led to the apprehension of 1,041 drivers for a range of violations.
Among the offenses, 279 drivers were caught operating vehicles without a valid or with an invalid license, 70 for dangerous loading, 579 for careless driving (including those detained at the Nkumba University junction), and 78 for speeding.
Additionally, authorities impounded 1,312 motorcycles for various infractions, which included 488 riders without valid licenses, 518 failing to wear helmets, 66 for pillion riding, and 240 not wearing reflective jackets.
Kananura highlighted that two bus drivers, who had previously been disqualified and stripped of their badges, were found driving Gateway buses in the Eastern region without the necessary credentials.
They were subsequently arrested, brought to court, and charged accordingly.
“We urge all bus companies to cooperate with us in ensuring that only qualified drivers with valid badges are allowed to operate buses. Companies must not assign buses to unlicensed drivers,” he added.
He warned that bus drivers found driving without a valid badge would be arrested and prosecuted.
“There will be no fines or warnings, only a direct court appearance,” he said.
