81 killed in road crashes in 7 days in Uganda

At least 81 people were killed in road crashes in one week across the country according to traffic police. Of these deaths, 35 were bodaboda riders, 28 were pedestrians, and 13 were motorcycle passengers.

Police highlighted two traffic incidents that were widely circulated on social media. One occurred on Sunday at Busolobi in Iganga, where a taxi caught fire shortly after setting off for Mbale. The incident resulted in the deaths of an unidentified woman and her two-year-old son, who were burnt beyond recognition. Another victim, who was rushed to Jinja Hospital, died on Monday morning.

“We also had a road crash at Katende, in Mpigi district, where an ambulance carrying a dead body demanded the right of way and ended up crashing into bodaboda riders, leaving one dead and two others injured. It was very wrong for an ambulance to carry a dead body and then demand the right of way,” Michael Kananura, traffic police spokesperson said.

Kananura also said 1,100 vehicles and motorcycles were impounded over the past seven days in a police operation targeting traffic regulation violators. The operation, which began on Monday last week, resulted in the impoundment of 331 vehicles and 787 motorcycles by Saturday for various traffic offences.

According to traffic police, the 331 vehicles were impounded primarily because their owners did not have valid driving licenses. Kananura explained that 107 drivers were operating vehicles outside the class permitted by their licenses, 75 had no permits, and 149 had expired licenses.

“The 787 motorcycle riders did not have driving licenses and reflector jackets. We have often encouraged drivers and motorcyclists to have valid driving licenses, but they have not heeded. Operations will continue to target all drivers and motorcyclists without driving licenses,” Kananura said.

Mahad Ssenkandwa, a bodaboda rider, stated that he has often tried to acquire a driving license but finds the costs challenging.

“I have tried five times to acquire a driving license, but the process is too long and the money needed is a bit high. I find it hard to pay for a driving license at Shs 200,000 and a car owner also pays the same,” Ssenkandwa said.