Overview:
The number of serious road crashes increased by 5.2%, from 12,487 in 2023 to 13,134 in 2024, while the number of minor crashes increased by 8.6%, from 6,942 in 2023 to 7,539 in 2024, according to police annual crime report of 2024 released last year.
Stakeholders in West Nile are alarmed by the increasing cases of road crashes in Uganda which are causing financial and social loss, affecting individuals, families and the country’s economy.
The 2024 Police Annual Crime Report released last year indicated that a total of 25,107 road traffic crashes were reported in 2024, increasing by 6.4% rise from 23,608 cases in the previous year. Out of this, 4,434 were fatal, 13,134 were serious and 7,539 were minor.
Fred Tumwine, Executive Director of Uganda Roads Accidents Reduction Network Organisation (URRENO), estimates that road crashes cost Uganda UGX 7.4 trillion annually due to lost lives and damaged property.
Stakeholders said that these losses resulting from road crashes drains the country’s resources which affects funds for development and public services.
The chairperson of Koboko Boda-boda Riders Association, Joel Baiti, emphasized the need for continuous training to improve safety of road users in move to prevent cases.
According to the Vicar of Nyarilo Town Parish, James Alege, many road users continue going against guidelines issued by authorities specifically to protect them on road. He challenged road users to desist from breaking the laws as it is against the teachings of church as he calls for respect to laws.
The Ministry of Works and Transport has partnered with Uganda Roads Accidents Reduction Network Organisation (URRENO) and other organisations, together with Uganda Police Force through Traffic Department to conduct sensitization on road safety.
The number of serious road crashes increased by 5.2%, from 12,487 in 2023 to 13,134 in 2024, while the number of minor crashes increased by 8.6%, from 6,942 in 2023 to 7,539 in 2024, according to police annual crime report of 2024 released last year.
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