Kampala, Uganda: Traffic Police arrested 3,691 motorists and riders across Uganda in the past week as authorities intensified enforcement operations against traffic offenders amid growing concerns over road crashes caused by speeding, reckless overtaking, and disregard for traffic regulations.
According to the latest weekly road safety update issued by SP Michael Kananura, the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety Spokesperson, risky road user behaviour continues to be the leading cause of crashes recorded on Ugandan roads.
The report shows that boda boda riders remained the most affected category, accounting for 50 percent of all fatalities registered during the week. Pedestrians accounted for 32 percent of the deaths, while other road users made up the remaining 18 percent.
Among the notable crashes recorded was a fatal accident in Bukomansimbi District on June 17 that claimed the life of Rev. Fr. Bony Kalyesubula of Kitaasa Catholic Parish. Preliminary investigations indicate that the vehicle he was driving collided with a Fuso truck that allegedly lost control due to a mechanical defect. Two other occupants sustained injuries.
In Kyotera District, seven people were killed after a speeding fuel tanker rammed into a commuter taxi at Botera Trading Centre along the Kyotera–Masaka Highway. Five victims died instantly, while two later succumbed to injuries at the hospital. Four others survived with injuries.
Another fatal crash occurred in Kalaki District, where two roadside mango vendors were killed after a speeding vehicle attempting to overtake crashed into a stationary vehicle that had stopped along the roadside.
SP Kannaura said the incidents continue to highlight the dangers associated with speeding and careless overtaking, especially in trading centres and areas with high pedestrian activity.
During the enforcement operations, police arrested 513 motorists for careless driving and overtaking, 487 for dangerous loading, 398 for operating vehicles in dangerous mechanical condition, and 118 for driving without valid licences.
Authorities also impounded offenders for illegal vehicle modifications, disobeying traffic directions, violating route charts, riding without crash helmets, carrying pillion passengers contrary to regulations, riding without licences, and driving under the influence of alcohol.
The largest number of offences involved boda boda riders, with 574 arrested for riding without crash helmets and 518 for operating motorcycles without valid riding permits.
The Traffic Police spokesperson said enforcement operations will continue across the country to promote discipline and reduce road crashes.
In addition to enforcement, Kananura says the Directorate has intensified road safety sensitisation campaigns in Kampala Metropolitan South and the Masaka East policing region, areas identified among the most affected by road crashes in the 2025 Annual Crime Report.
“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. Let us all play our part in protecting lives on our roads,” he concluded.
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