Traffic Officers on Masaka Road
As Ugandans head upcountry for Christmas celebrations, the Directorate of Traffic Police has intensified road safety campaigns on major highways, teaming up with the Uganda Professional Drivers’ Network (UPDN) to curb accidents during the festive season.
Michael Kananura, Traffic Police spokesperson, said the operation combines enforcement against traffic violations with public awareness campaigns on highways, including Gulu, Masaka, Mityana, Hoima, and Jinja.
“We are engaging drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and other road users on key safety practices such as sticking to speed limits, avoiding drink-driving, maintaining vehicles, and being responsible on the road,” Kananura said.
“December usually sees the most crashes, and we aim to reduce that trend this year.” Traffic police records show that in 2024, 250,000 road crashes were registered nationwide, with 2,445 occurring in December. In 2023, 23,000 crashes were recorded, including 2,131 in December.
The leading causes were careless overtaking, speeding, poorly maintained vehicles, and substandard road conditions. Kananura emphasized that many accidents caused by fatigue, reckless driving, and disregard for traffic rules can be prevented through public awareness.
“We are emphasizing prevention through education, compliance with traffic laws, and shared responsibility among all road users—from drivers and passengers to conductors, bus companies, and taxi park authorities. We want to see discipline and professionalism on the roads this festive season,” he stated.
As part of the drive, officers are stopping buses and taxis to inspect vehicle conditions and sensitize passengers. Toll-free numbers have been shared for reporting reckless drivers, and passengers are urged to be vigilant. “Check the vehicle before boarding—functional headlamps, sober drivers, company information, driver’s name, and number plate.
These measures help passengers report undisciplined drivers focused only on making trips for money,” Kananura added. Jemimah Nalumansi, a road safety advocate, warned against staying silent when drivers break the law.
“Don’t keep quiet when drivers speed or break rules. Don’t be a distraction in a private car by sharing TikTok videos. In public transport, speak out—it’s your life,” she said.
The police hope that through heightened vigilance, awareness, and shared responsibility, December’s historically high accident rate will drop for the first time.
Passengers are urged to check vehicle conditions before boarding – like functional headlamps, driver sobriety, knowing the vehicle company, driver’s name, and number plate.
Kananura said these help passengers report indisciplined drivers who focus on making trips for money.
Jemimah Nalumansi warns against staying silent when drivers are reckless. “Don’t keep quiet when drivers speed or break laws.
“Don’t be a distraction in a private car, sharing TikTok videos with the driver. And in public transport, don’t keep quiet – speak out. This is your life, speak,” Nalumansi said.
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