Every year, nearly 1.2 million people lose their lives on the world’s roads, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
This staggering statistic highlights the urgent need for greater action to improve road safety globally.
The WHO emphasises that these deaths are preventable, urging nations to adopt safer and more efficient transport systems, particularly by prioritising pedestrian and cyclist safety and promoting mass public transport.
WHO also points out that in low-income countries, road users face up to three times the risk of death compared to wealthier nations, making these regions disproportionately affected by road fatalities.
In Uganda, road traffic deaths have become an increasingly critical issue. A recent traffic report from the Directorate of Traffic & Road Safety revealed that from November 18 to 23, 2024, road accidents claimed 61 lives, with pedestrians accounting for 52% of these fatalities.
The report highlighted speeding, reckless overtaking, and hit-and-run incidents as the leading causes of these accidents.
Tragically, two pupils in Nansana lost their lives when a reversing vehicle struck them, underscoring the vulnerability of pedestrians.
The traffic police have called for stricter adherence to speed limits and better vehicle maintenance to address these issues.
In response to the alarming statistics, the Ministry of Works and Transport in Uganda has introduced the Traffic and Road Safety (Prescription of Speed Limits) Regulations, 2024.
This new regulation sets a maximum speed limit of 30 km/h on roads adjacent to schools, hospitals, markets, and business centers, areas with heavy foot traffic.
The move is aimed at protecting vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and street vendors. "Safer Communities – our roads are shared by boda bodas, cyclists, street vendors, and pedestrians. Slower speeds reduce the chances of avoidable incidents," the Ministry of Works and Transport stated previously.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, during the 4th Ministerial Conference on Road Safety, urged global leaders to adopt bold measures to reduce road traffic deaths.
"The solutions are not always easy or popular, but we know they work, they save lives and are a good long-term investment in sustainability and productivity," Dr. Tedros stated. This call to action aligns with Uganda's efforts to reduce fatalities and improve road safety.
The introduction of the new speed limits reflects Uganda’s commitment to ensuring safer roads for all users, with a focus on reducing the risks that contribute to the nation’s high accident rates.