By URN
The Works and Transport Minister, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, has advised travelers to start their Christmas journeys early, especially those heading to distant locations, to reduce the risk of traffic accidents. Speaking at the World Day of Remembrance for Traffic Accident Victims, Gen. Katumba emphasized that many crashes during the festive season occur because people travel last minute.
He highlighted the dangers of late travel, citing that it would be risky for someone traveling as far as Kabale to leave on December 24 and expect to reach church by 7 a.m. “Plan your journeys in time. If you are going to Kabale, why do you have to leave Kampala on December 24? Do not drink and drive,” he stressed. He also urged drivers to inspect their vehicles and ensure they are in good condition before starting their journeys.
Gen. Katumba condemned the behavior of people who rob road crash victims, a trend that has become a serious concern. He pointed out that instead of helping injured victims, some individuals search their pockets for money or valuables, and in some cases, they even hurt victims further to steal their smartphones.
The World Day of Remembrance was organized by the Road Safety Coalition Uganda (ROSACU) in partnership with the Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT) and the Uganda Professional Drivers Network (UPDN). Lawrence Niwabiine, the Director of Traffic, stressed the need for a comprehensive road monitoring system, as some drivers only obey traffic laws in areas where traffic officers are present.
He argued that such a system would help curb the behavior of drivers who violate traffic rules when they believe they are not being monitored. Commissioner for Transport and Regulation, Winstone Katushabe, echoed Niwabiine’s sentiments, noting that an intelligent transport monitoring system is already in development as part of efforts to enhance road safety.
In 2023, road crashes claimed at least 4,806 lives. Alarmingly, figures for the first half of this year have already recorded 3,241 road deaths, suggesting a potential increase. During the event, drivers, bus owners, and road safety activists lit candles in memory of the tens of thousands of people who have lost their lives in traffic accidents worldwide.
