Kampala, Uganda: The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has placed road safety and justice for road crash victims at the heart of its 70th anniversary celebrations, announcing plans to pursue public interest litigation against the government over what it describes as persistent failures in road safety management.
The proposal was unveiled during activities marking the Society’s platinum jubilee, following a statement issued by Uganda Law Society President Isaac K. Ssemakadde on July 8, 2026, in which he paid tribute to victims of the recent Bobi Trading Centre crash along the Kampala–Gulu Highway.
Ssemakadde attributed the deadly crash, which claimed about a dozen lives, to longstanding shortcomings in road safety planning, enforcement and infrastructure management.
Speaking during the anniversary activities, Calvin Kilama of Section 3C of the Uganda Law Society said the Society is considering filing a public interest lawsuit seeking to compel the government to fulfil its constitutional obligation to protect road users.
He said the proposed suit would also push for the establishment of a national compensation framework for road crash victims and their families.
“We want government to put in place a comprehensive policy that guarantees compensation for victims of road crashes. Road accidents continue to devastate families, yet survivors are often left to shoulder the financial burden alone,” Kilama said.
He encouraged survivors and families affected by the recent Bobi Trading Centre crash to seek legal assistance through the Uganda Law Society’s legal aid clinics in Gulu and Masindi, where services are available free of charge or at subsidised rates.
Call for Greater Accountability
The Society’s Northern Uganda representative, Emmanuel Egaru Omyat, said Uganda continues to lag behind countries that have established effective compensation systems for road crash victims.
He called on the government to audit the Uganda Road Fund, prioritise road maintenance and tackle corruption that undermines investment in road infrastructure. “We must ensure that resources meant for road maintenance are properly utilised because every neglected road translates into more lives lost,” Egaru said.
He also criticised proposals to involve the military in civilian procurement processes, particularly recent suggestions by Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba regarding the management of Kampala’s road infrastructure funding.
According to Egaru, responsibility for civilian procurement should remain under transparent and accountable civilian institutions.
Meanwhile, Uganda Law Society member Isaac Olanya said lawyers continue to face intimidation, arbitrary arrests, abductions and unlawful detention while carrying out their professional duties.
“As we celebrate 70 years of serving justice, many lawyers continue to face persecution simply for defending the rule of law. Despite these challenges, we shall never abandon our constitutional duty,” Olanya said.
Road Safety Crisis in Uganda
According to the Uganda Police Traffic Directorate, 5,383 people lost their lives in road crashes in 2025, representing an average of 15 deaths every day.
The Uganda Law Society argues that many of these deaths are preventable through improved road infrastructure, stronger enforcement of traffic laws, enhanced accountability and the introduction of a national compensation scheme for road crash victims.
The Society says its platinum jubilee celebrations will not only commemorate seven decades of legal service but also advocate for reforms aimed at protecting lives and strengthening access to justice.
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