Uganda’s government has acknowledged that the country is far from reaching its goal of cutting road crash deaths and serious injuries by 50% by 2030, as new data reveals an average of 14 fatalities each day.
In a press briefing in Kampala on Thursday, Works and Transport Minister Gen Edward Katumba Wamala urged motorists to exercise caution as holiday travel surges across the nation.
“This time of the year comes with high mobility and increased exposure to road crashes,” he said, warning that reckless behaviour typically spikes during the festive season.
“We cannot accept the loss of 14 lives daily. This trend must be reversed.”
The Ministry has launched a nationwide campaign under the theme, “Safe Vehicles for a Safer Uganda,” focusing on vehicle safety as part of a phased rollout of mandatory motor vehicle inspections.
The long-delayed reform aims to remove unroadworthy vehicles from the roads.
Gen Katumba said demonstrations and public education on the inspections are ongoing and will soon become compulsory.
However, he stressed that safer vehicles alone will not solve the crisis. Road indiscipline—linked to speeding, drunk driving, non-use of helmets and seatbelts, and distracted driving—remains a major contributor to fatal crashes.
“We must deal with behavioural risks. Speeding, drink driving, bad manoeuvres—these are choices people make,” he said. “Let us not ignore the human factor.”
With Uganda entering a heated political campaign season ahead of the 2026 elections, the Minister appealed for extra caution, especially among supporters travelling in convoys or crowded vehicles.
“Please ensure your vehicles are roadworthy and that you have all legal requirements to avoid inconveniences with police,” he said.
Passengers using buses, taxis, and boda bodas were also urged to speak out against dangerous driving, with public transport operators warned of strict action if they violate road safety rules.
Gen Katumba called on stakeholders—including vehicle dealers, mechanics, fuel companies, the Uganda Police Force, the Uganda National Bureau of Standards, and the media—to support the campaign.
The government plans to unveil additional interventions in the next financial year to improve road safety, including intensified enforcement, public awareness drives, and repainting pedestrian crossings.
Wishing the nation a safe festive season, the Minister reaffirmed the state’s commitment: “We are fully dedicated to achieving the 50% reduction target. For God and my Country.”