KAMPALA, UGANDA – Uganda’s Transport Minister, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, has issued a rallying cry for collective action to combat the country’s alarming road safety epidemic.
Speaking at a memorial function at Namayiba Bus Park on Sunday, Gen. Katumba emphasized the devastating impact of road accidents, which have claimed 4,635 lives last year and 3,241 so far this year.
“Road crashes cause loss of life, disabilities, and emotional trauma, affecting families and communities,” Gen. Katumba said. “We must address this global crisis together.” Uganda has pledged to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries by 50% by 2030 as part of the United Nations’ initiative. However, the minister stressed that collective responsibility is key to achieving this goal. “Road safety is a shared duty,” he said. “It’s not enough to rely on law enforcement alone; each road user must adhere to traffic laws and exercise caution.”
The minister commended organizations like Nile Breweries, Uganda Professional Drivers Network, and the Inter-Religious Council for their support but emphasized the need for broader involvement, especially with the Christmas period approaching. He highlighted the importance of vehicle checks, strict enforcement of no drinking and driving, and strategic travel planning to minimize accidents.
Gen. Katumba condemned the exploitation of accident victims and called for greater empathy. “We need to change our behavior,” he said. “It’s not enough to build good roads and put up signposts; we need to see enforcement.”
Transport Commissioner Winstone Katushabe announced plans to introduce an intelligence-based transport management system and fine issuance protocols. “Vehicle owners should transfer their titles when selling vehicles to avoid future liabilities,” he added. New regulations will require motorcycle dealers to provide two helmets with each sale, enforced through the National Bureau of Standards.
Director of Traffic and Road Safety Nuwabiine Lawrance emphasized the need for public cooperation and criticized urban authorities for failing to follow ministerial directives, such as removing roadside markets. “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 labor productivity and the general economy development of the country as well,” he said. “Road users are human beings, full of contradictions and stubbornness, and need a comprehensive monitoring system to change their behavior. It’s not enough to build good roads and put-up signposts. Road users need to see enforcement only then will they behave responsibly.”
Clergymen, including Vicar General Msgr. Charles Kasibante and Sheikh Mohammed Ali Waiswa, urged Ugandans to prioritize God when traveling and exercise proper care and responsibility when using vehicles and machines. The two agreed that Ugandans should remember to make God their priority when traveling. They brought to attention that all the fueled engines, vehicles, and machines, have the chance to cause accidents and even deaths if they are not controlled with proper care and responsibility.
The ministry plans to increase the number of ambulances on major highways to improve emergency response.
Related
