The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has blamed what it describes as decades of government neglect, corruption, and policy failures for the deadly road crash at Bobi Trading Centre along the Kampala-Gulu Highway, saying the recurring loss of lives on Uganda's roads is preventable and reflects the State's failure to prioritise public safety.
In a statement dated July 8, 2026, and signed by ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde, the Society said the Bobi tragedy should not be viewed as an isolated accident but as the latest consequence of years of systemic failures in road safety, infrastructure, emergency response, and governance.
"The Uganda Law Society (ULS) mourns the lives lost in last night's head-on collision at Bobi Trading Centre on the Kampala-Gulu Highway, where an Opit Travellers bus collided with a lorry. We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and to those injured. May the departed rest in peace," the statement read.
According to Police, 14 people were killed and 28 others injured after an Isuzu bus, registration number UBE 110H, belonging to OPIT Travellers Company, collided head-on with a Mercedes-Benz Actros trailer, registration numbers KBS 564D/ZE 7948, at about 9:34 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Bobi Trading Centre.
Traffic Police Spokesperson Michael Kananura said preliminary investigations indicate that the bus driver, who was allegedly speeding, attempted to avoid a pedestrian crossing the road, lost control of the vehicle, and crashed into the oncoming trailer.
"We continue to urge all motorists to observe speed limits, particularly during the night when visibility is reduced. Drivers must remain alert, anticipate the movement of pedestrians in trading centres, and always maintain speeds that allow them to stop safely," Kananura said.
Police said investigations into the crash are ongoing, while the injured were rushed to various health facilities for treatment.
While acknowledging that investigations are still underway, the Uganda Law Society argued that the tragedy reflects a much deeper national crisis.
"Once again, Ugandans are paying with their lives for decades of government neglect of road safety. We lose thousands every year to crashes that were preventable. Our death rate remains far above global averages. Highways like Kampala-Gulu have become killing fields," the statement read.
The Society cited figures released by the Uganda Police Traffic Directorate on March 30, 2026, showing that 5,383 people died in road crashes in 2025—an average of 15 deaths every day.
It noted that road fatalities have steadily increased from 4,534 in 2022 to 4,806 in 2023, 5,144 in 2024, and 5,383 in 2025.
"This is not bad luck. This is policy failure," the statement added.
ULS attributed the worsening road safety crisis to corruption, weak law enforcement, deteriorating road infrastructure, and inadequate emergency medical response, saying successive governance failures have placed thousands of Ugandans at unnecessary risk.
"Budget corruption. Weak enforcement. Crumbling infrastructure. Broken emergency response. We have failed to place human life at the centre of our national priorities," the statement read.
The Society also criticised what it described as the government's reliance on presidential donations following fatal accidents instead of investing in long-term road safety interventions.
"After four decades under President Museveni, these failures have destroyed families, impoverished communities, and stolen from many the very future he promised to secure. We condemn the resort to presidential donations to cover up this crisis. Graveside hand-outs are not a substitute for prevention or long-term resilience," the statement said.
ULS further faulted the government for failing to establish a national compensation framework for road crash victims despite similar schemes existing in neighbouring countries.
"While Kenya and South Africa established functional victim compensation schemes years ago, the Museveni government has shamefully failed for decades to create any meaningful Road Accident Fund or compensation framework for Ugandan victims," the statement read.
As part of its response, the Law Society announced that it will provide free legal assistance to victims and families affected by the Bobi crash through its legal aid clinics in Gulu and Masindi, as well as its toll-free legal assistance line.
"In response, the ULS hereby notifies the public of its legal aid clinics in nearby Gulu and Masindi to support victims and bereaved families. Members of the public can also call our dedicated toll-free line, 0800 355 355, for free legal support," the statement said.
The Society added that, as part of its 70th anniversary commemorations, it will establish a national pro bono programme dedicated to supporting road crash victims.
"As we commemorate our 70th anniversary, we shall complement these efforts with the establishment of a bespoke national pro bono scheme for road accident victims. This Bar-led initiative will partner with other professional bodies as a model of civic solidarity where the State has failed," the statement read.
ULS also criticised what it described as increasing military involvement in civilian infrastructure projects.
"We also reject the military's takeover of public works procurement, including CDF Muhoozi Kainerugaba's push to control Kampala roads funding. Soldiers are not a substitute for transparent, civilian institutions," the statement said.
The Society called on Parliament to urgently prioritise road safety by strengthening oversight of public spending, improving road infrastructure, investing in ambulance and trauma services, and enforcing existing traffic laws.
"Parliament's priorities must shift urgently towards road safety. Cut waste, fraud and abuse from all votes, including State House and the military. Audit road funds. Fix the highways. Fund ambulances and trauma care. Enact responsive laws and insist on their enforcement," the statement said.
The Society concluded that the continued loss of lives on Uganda's roads demonstrates the urgent need for accountable leadership, evidence-based public investment, and stronger protection of citizens.
"These recurring tragedies prove Uganda needs new leadership: leadership committed to accountability, evidence-based investment, and the right of every citizen to safe passage. In memory of those we lost at Bobi, we demand real change," the statement concluded.