Stakeholders call for stronger road safety measures as Uganda commemorates World Day of Remembrance

15 November 2026, 3:33 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Road safety stakeholders have called for greater public awareness, stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and improved road infrastructure to reduce road crashes in Uganda, where an estimated 15 people lose their lives every day.

The call was made during the commemoration of the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, held at Bwaise Taxi Terminal in Kawempe Division, Kampala. The event brought together the Directorate of Traffic, representatives from various organisations, religious leaders, road crash survivors and other stakeholders to raise awareness about road safety and discuss ways of addressing the growing number of road crashes.

Representatives from the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety reaffirmed their commitment to enforcing traffic regulations, particularly as the country approaches the festive season, when road crashes and fatalities are often high.

They noted that December is among the months that record increased road fatalities, adding that public awareness campaigns are important because traffic officers cannot be present everywhere.

The officials urged motorists to observe traffic regulations, avoid creating additional lanes during traffic congestion and respect other road users, noting that collective compliance could significantly reduce road crashes and save the country resources estimated at three per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Meanwhile, Kampala Lord Mayor Ronald Balimwezo called for government intervention to reduce taxes on assistive devices such as wheelchairs and artificial limbs to make them more affordable for road crash survivors.

Drawing from his personal experience, Balimwezo revealed that he lost one of his legs in a road crash caused by poor road conditions, an incident that significantly changed his life.

“Fifty per cent of the people who die in road accidents are boda boda riders. Before I got the accident, I had four jobs, so I bought a boda boda to help me reach work on time. One day, as I was going to work, I got involved in an accident and lost my leg,” he said.

He revealed that his artificial limb cost approximately UGX 70 million, questioning why government could not invest more in repairing potholes to prevent accidents.

Balimwezo also highlighted the physical, emotional and financial challenges faced by road crash survivors, urging authorities to support victims through affordable rehabilitation services and reduced taxes on assistive equipment.

The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda representative called on religious leaders to make road safety a regular message in their sermons, emphasising that remembrance should go beyond prayers and moments of silence.

The representative also cautioned motorists against using mobile phones, responding to WhatsApp messages, watching TikTok videos or wearing headphones while driving.

Road users were further urged to remain vigilant and avoid practices that endanger others, while the public was encouraged to show respect to road crash victims and their families.

Several road crash survivors also shared their experiences and called for greater understanding and support from government and the public.

Muwanga Farooq, a taxi driver who was involved in a road crash six years ago, said the incident completely changed his life. He thanked God for surviving and appealed to leaders not to discriminate against people living with disabilities.

Doreen Nyakato, another survivor, narrated how she lost one of her legs after being knocked by a speeding boda boda while crossing the road on her way to work last year.

She explained that the incident happened after a taxi conductor pulled her hand while trying to attract her as a passenger, exposing her to the approaching motorcycle.

Nyakato, who was pregnant at the time, said she underwent several surgeries before regaining the ability to stand and walk with the help of an artificial limb. She revealed that her family faced serious financial challenges during her treatment.

She urged taxi conductors to stop pulling pedestrians and instead allow passengers to make their own choices.

The Chief Guest, Ministry of Works and Transport Commissioner Apollo Kashanko, reaffirmed government’s commitment to improving road safety but emphasised that every road user has a role to play.

He announced that road safety district committees would be established across various districts starting next year to strengthen local coordination and awareness efforts.

Kashanko urged motorists to respect speed limits and called on passengers and pedestrians to speak out whenever drivers engage in dangerous practices, particularly speeding.

He concluded by calling on Ugandans to prioritise life and make responsible decisions on the roads as the country remembers those who have lost their lives in road crashes.