The Minister of Works and Transport, Gen Edward Katumba Wamala has marked the world day of remembrance for traffic crash victims with a call to action for all Ugandans to play a role in improving road safety.
While addressing the gathering at the memorial function setup at Namayiba Bus Park on Sunday, the minister reiterated that everybody has a share of the burden in combatting the problems of road accidents which are on a sharp rise in Uganda.
“Today, we reflect on an issue that affects us all the devastating impact of road accidents. Road crashes cause loss of life, disabilities, and emotional trauma, leaving a ripple effect on families and communities,” Gen Katumba said.
He pointed out that the increasing fatalities, with 4,635 deaths last year and 3,241 already this year, demonstrate the urgent need for action.
“We must address this global crisis together,” he said.
As part of the United Nations’ initiative, Uganda has pledged to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries by 50% by 2030.
However, the minister stressed that this could only be achieved through collective responsibility.
“Road safety is a shared duty,” he remarked. It is not enough to rely on law enforcement alone; each road user must adhere to traffic laws and exercise caution.”
The minister also pressed for broader involvement of corporate entities, media, and religious bodies to advocate for road safety.
Gen Wamala mentioned that the primary aspects of accident minimization are already the practice which is in the form of the complete checking of the vehicles, and the strict enforcement of the provision of no drinking and driving.
He also expressed that transport companies should play a crucial role in reducing driver fatigue, a known risk factor, by the application of relief driver systems.
The commissioner for transport in the Ministry of Transport and Works, Winstone Katushabe said that in addition to the ministry’s efforts to reduce road accidents, the ministry is introducing an intelligence-based transport management system and fine issuance protocols.
“Vehicle owners should also transfer their titles when selling vehicles to avoid future liabilities,” said the commissioner.
Regarding motorcycles, he highlighted new regulations that require motorcycle dealers to provide two helmets with each sale, with plans to enforce this through the National Bureau of Standards.
The Director of Traffic and Road Safety, Lawrence Nuwabiine appealed to the public to listen to the traffic police but also underscored the responsibility of urban authorities, criticizing their failure to follow ministerial directives, such as removing roadside markets that obstruct traffic.
“We have to admit, that pedestrians take the second place in road accident deaths after motorcyclists, this includes those doing businesses on road sides. We have had it with seeing the mass of people who are daily disabled as a result of these scuffles. This hurts labour productivity and the general economy development of the country as well,” he said.
He added that road users are human beings, full of contradictions and stubbornness, and need a comprehensive monitoring system to change their behaviour.
“It’s not enough to build good roads and put-up signposts. Road users need to see enforcement only then will they behave responsibly.”
