Kampala, Uganda: At least 3,819 male drivers below the age of 35 were killed in road accidents in 2025, according to the latest Annual Crime Report released by the Uganda Police Force, raising fresh concern over road safety among young motorists.
The report, presented by Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Lawrence Nuwabiine, shows that despite a reduction in overall crash cases, fatalities, and serious accidents increased.
Traffic Police recorded 322,441 road crash cases in 2025, down from 426,432 in 2024, a 24.4 per cent decrease.
However, fatal accidents rose from 4,434 in 2024 to 4,602 in 2025, marking a 3.7 percent increase.
The report further indicates that a total of 5,383 people lost their lives in road accidents in 2025, compared to 5,144 in 2024, an increase of 4.6 per cent.
Serious and minor accidents also registered increases, highlighting growing safety concerns despite fewer reported incidents overall.
When and where crashes happen most
December recorded the highest number of crashes at 2,443, while June had the lowest at 1,979. Fatal accidents peaked in October with 523 deaths and were lowest in June at 390.
Fridays recorded the highest number of crashes at 3,921, followed closely by Saturdays (3,913) and Sundays (3,879). Thursdays had the lowest number at 3,462. Weekend fatalities were notably high, with Sundays leading at 810 deaths, followed by Saturdays at 729.
Police attributed this trend to increased travel, leisure activities, and commercial movements during weekends.
Most crashes occurred during evening hours between 6:00 pm and 7:59 pm, which also recorded the highest number of fatal incidents.
Major deadly crashes recorded
The report highlighted several tragic incidents in 2025, including: the Kiryandongo bus crash, where 44 people died on the spot, and 66 were seriously injured; the accident in Hoima, which claimed 19 lives instantly; and the Iganga crash, where 10 people died on the spot.
Regionally, the highest number of fatal accidents was recorded in the Western region (Rwiizi), followed by Kampala Metropolitan Police areas—South, East, and North.
Traffic offenders and enforcement
Police arrested a total of 322,441 traffic offenders in 2025 for various violations. Among them, 76,069 were cited for operating vehicles in poor mechanical condition, 67,190 were arrested for careless driving, while Traffic Police also issued 322,441 tickets, collecting billions of shillings in fines.
The high number of deaths among male drivers below 35 has raised alarm among road safety stakeholders, pointing to risky driving behaviour, inexperience, and non-compliance with traffic regulations as key contributing factors.
Authorities are now calling for stricter enforcement, increased awareness campaigns, and responsible driving habits to curb the rising fatalities.
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