Growing concern is emerging over the rising number of road accidents in the Bunyoro sub-region, with residents attributing the trend to newly improved roads and reckless driving.
Local leaders are now calling on the government and police to prioritise road maintenance and strengthen enforcement of traffic regulations to curb the increasing accidents.
The concerns surfaced during an event where the Rotary Club Hoima Albertine honoured Ivan Tibaijuka, a boda boda rider who has been voluntarily helping school children safely cross busy roads and recently painted a zebra crossing to improve their safety.
Alarming Accident Statistics
According to a report by Safe Way Right Way, road accidents in the Bunyoro sub-region remain a serious concern. The report indicates that an average of 14 people are hit by vehicles daily, leaving many dead or seriously injured and pushing victims and their families into financial hardship due to medical costs.
Bashir Gwandaye, a representative of Safe Way Right Way, linked the rising accident cases to newly constructed roads in the region and increasing vehicle ownership without adequate road safety awareness.
“These statistics are worrying. Many people are buying cars and motorcycles and using the roads recklessly. Some have never attended driving school and do not even have driving licences. We need to act now as a country,” Gwandaye said.
He warned that unless authorities intensify public sensitisation on road safety, accidents—especially those involving school-going children—will continue to increase.
“You notice that some road users do not even respect road signs. Others do not know what the signs mean, yet they are already on the roads. We must work together to ensure that the good roads built for development in Bunyoro do not end up costing lives,” he added.
The Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom also raised concern over the situation, questioning how unqualified drivers are allowed to operate on public roads.
“Traffic authorities must become more serious and take action against reckless drivers. We cannot continue losing people over preventable issues. Every life matters,” said Andrew Byakutaga, the Kingdom’s Prime Minister.
The road safety concerns came to light during an event where the Rotary Club Hoima Albertine recognised Ivan Tibaijuka for his selfless efforts in protecting school children.
Tibaijuka gained attention after a story highlighting his work helping children cross safely was aired by NBS Television.
The club’s president, Catherine Murungi, said the story prompted the organisation to recognise Tibaijuka’s dedication and support the painting of a zebra crossing at the location where he assists pupils.
“It was after seeing the report that we realised the important work Tibaijuka has been doing for a long time. Many of us would simply pass by without appreciating it. The story helped bring his efforts to light, and we decided to honour him,” Murungi said.
An emotional Tibaijuka said he never expected his efforts to attract national and international attention.
“I don’t even know what to say. People have called me—even from the United Kingdom—appreciating what I do. I did not know that what I was doing was being recognised,” he said.
Tibaijuka added that he even received a call from Bishop Jacob Ateirweho of the Bunyoro Kitara Diocese commending him for his work.
“I never imagined that someone as prominent as a bishop would call me to appreciate what I do,” he said.
He encouraged fellow boda boda riders and motorists to be more considerate of vulnerable road users, particularly school children.
“Waiting one minute for children to cross the road is not too much. I am happy that a zebra crossing has now been painted, and I hope the city authorities will allocate funds to maintain it,” he added.
