At least 18 people have been killed in road traffic crashes recorded across Uganda in the past week, according to the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety.
The crashes, which involved commuter taxis, buses, Sino trucks and other motor vehicles, also left several people injured.
Michael Kananura, spokesperson for the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, said preliminary findings indicate that speeding, careless overtaking and reckless driving were among the major contributing factors.
One of the deadliest crashes occurred on August 3 at Kamuwunga Trading Centre along the Lwera stretch in Lukaya, where a commuter taxi collided head-on with a Sino truck at about 11:40 p.m.
Thirteen people, including the taxi driver, died in the crash, while four others were injured.
According to Kananura, preliminary investigations indicate that the Sino truck driver allegedly drifted from his lane while the two vehicles were travelling at high speed.
The truck driver, identified as Kiyega Ibra Mukasa, was charged with 16 counts related to causing death and bodily injuries through reckless driving. He was initially kept under police guard while receiving treatment and, after being discharged, was expected to appear in court on Monday to answer the charges.
In another crash, three people were killed at Kakira along the Jinja–Iganga Highway when a commuter taxi rammed into a moving truck from behind at about 10:00 p.m.
Ten other people sustained injuries in the crash, with police attributing the incident primarily to excessive speed.
At Kamengo along the Masaka Highway, two drivers were injured when a Global Bus, registration number UAZ 581U, collided with a Sino truck, registration number UBM 256K.
Police said the bus driver, identified as Ssejjuko Patrick, was overtaking other vehicles when he collided with the truck travelling in the opposite direction.
Ssejjuko is under police guard and is expected to face charges of causing bodily injuries through reckless driving after his discharge from hospital.
The latest fatal crash occurred on Friday at Namulanda along Entebbe Road at about 2:00 a.m., where two people died after two vehicles collided.
One of the vehicles allegedly drifted from its lane and struck a vehicle carrying employees of Next Media.
Kananura said investigations into the Namulanda crash are ongoing.
The traffic police spokesperson noted that a common factor in several of the highlighted crashes was that they occurred at night, when reduced visibility increases the risk of collisions.
“Night driving presents additional risks because visibility is significantly reduced, making it more difficult for motorists to detect pedestrians, other vehicles, road obstructions and other hazards in sufficient time to respond appropriately,” Kananura said.
He also warned motorists against driving while fatigued, saying tiredness reduces concentration and slows reaction times.
Traffic police urged motorists to avoid unnecessary night journeys and, where travel is unavoidable, ensure they are adequately rested, maintain safe speeds, avoid dangerous overtaking and keep a safe following distance.
“Arriving late is better than not arriving at all,” Kananura said, urging motorists to prioritise safety over speed.
He added: “Slow down. Rest when tired. Avoid careless overtaking. Save lives.”
