The concerns were raised during a stakeholders' meeting in Masaka that brought together traffic officers, religious leaders, security officials, boda boda riders and other road users to discuss strategies for improving road safety.
Speaking at the meeting, the Acting Deputy Director of Traffic and Road Safety, Norman Musinga, appealed to religious leaders to become active partners in road safety campaigns by using places of worship to spread messages on responsible road use.
"Road safety is not the responsibility of traffic police alone. Religious leaders interact with thousands of people every week and can play a crucial role in changing attitudes and behaviours on our roads," Musinga said.
According to Traffic Police statistics, at least 1,152 people were involved in road crashes across the Greater Masaka region in 2025. Of these, 299 died while hundreds sustained serious and minor injuries.
Masaka recorded the highest number of crash victims at 347, followed by Lwengo with 83.
Although crashes involved different categories of vehicles, police said motorcycles remained the leading contributor to deaths and serious injuries.
The figures show that 125 riders and drivers died in road crashes during the year. Masaka City recorded the highest number of boda boda rider deaths at 33, followed by Lwengo (21), Kalungu (16), Bukomansimbi (13), Sembabule (12), Kyotera (11), Rakai (7), Lyantonde (6) and Kalangala (6).
Police records also indicate that 48 boda boda passengers died across the region, with Lwengo recording the highest number at 15, followed by Masaka with seven.
Pedestrians also continued to bear the brunt of road crashes. Traffic Police statistics show that 100 pedestrians died after being knocked down by motorcycles and other vehicles. Lwengo registered the highest number of pedestrian fatalities at 35, followed by Masaka City with 16.
Musinga attributed the persistent loss of life to reckless road use and widespread disregard for traffic regulations.
"We continue to lose people because many road users ignore traffic laws. Speeding, dangerous overtaking, drunk driving and failure to observe road safety measures remain common despite continuous sensitisation," he said.
Road users who attended the meeting acknowledged that indiscipline among motorists remains one of the leading causes of crashes.
They singled out taxi drivers, commonly known as "drone" drivers, truck drivers and other commercial motorists for offences including speeding, overloading, drunk driving and the use of unauthorised lights.
"We see many drivers speeding and driving carelessly, especially at night. Some vehicles use lights that confuse other motorists and increase the risk of accidents. You also find boda boda riders operating motorcycles without side mirrors," participants observed.
Motorists also expressed concern over the increasing number of tricycles (tuk-tuks) operating with inadequate lighting, making them difficult to spot at night and increasing the risk of collisions.
Participants further criticised agencies responsible for issuing driving permits, arguing that some licences are being issued to people who lack adequate driving skills.
"There are people on the roads who clearly do not have the competence to drive. Licensing should be stricter if we are to reduce crashes," said Masaka City Resident City Commissioner Ahmed Washaki.
Musinga challenged District Police Commanders and traffic officers in the region to strengthen enforcement and ensure full compliance with traffic regulations.
He warned that police had intensified operations targeting reckless boda boda riders, truck drivers, Subaru motorists and drivers using unauthorised lights.
"Anyone found violating traffic laws will be dealt with according to the law. We are increasing enforcement because too many lives are being lost," he warned.
Medical personnel at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital echoed the concern, revealing that severe head injuries remain the leading cause of death among road crash victims.
Dr Dikens Turyamusiima, a surgeon at the hospital, said boda boda riders and passengers account for the majority of patients admitted with life-threatening injuries.
"Most of the patients we lose suffer severe head injuries. Many of these cases involve motorcycle riders and passengers who either do not wear helmets or sustain high-impact injuries," Dr Turyamusiima said.
Uganda continues to record one of the highest road crash burdens in East Africa, with police statistics showing that speeding, reckless driving, dangerous overtaking, poor vehicle condition and failure to observe traffic regulations remain among the leading causes of crashes nationwide.
The renewed call for action comes as the Greater Masaka region grapples with a series of fatal crashes. Last week, eight people died in a collision along the Masaka–Mutukula Highway, while the head of construction for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Masaka, Rev. Fr. Bonny Kalyesubula, was killed in a separate crash in Bukomansimbi District.
Traffic Police say reducing road deaths will require collective responsibility from motorists, riders, pedestrians, religious leaders, licensing authorities and enforcement agencies.