The Northern Uganda Bus and Truck Drivers Network has attributed the rising number of road crashes in the country to human error, driver fatigue and indiscipline among road users, urging drivers and transport companies to prioritise safety to curb the growing loss of lives.
The concern comes amid a series of deadly road crashes that have shaken the country in recent weeks.
On July 7, at least 14 people were killed and 28 others injured when an Opit Travellers bus collided head-on with a trailer at Bobi Trading Centre along the Kampala-Gulu Highway in Omoro District. Preliminary police investigations linked the crash to reckless driving.
Barely a week later, Uganda was plunged into mourning after a school bus belonging to King David Junior School crashed at Chekwatit Hill in Kapchorwa District while returning from an educational trip to Sipi Falls, killing more than 24 people, according to police reports.
Preliminary findings indicated that the driver lost control of the vehicle.
Speaking against the backdrop of the recent tragedies, the association chairperson, David Okello, said more than three fatal crashes had been recorded in July alone, with accidents occurring almost daily in some areas.
“Only this July, we have had more than three fatal accidents, and within a week, accidents have been happening almost every day,” Okello said.
Okello said buses have increasingly been involved in crashes, with many incidents occurring at night.
“We are seeing buses involved in accidents, and about 90 percent of these accidents are happening at night,” he said.
According to Okello, excessive speed, fatigue, stress and poor judgment while driving at night are among the leading causes of road crashes.
“There are drivers who can operate a vehicle very well during the day, but when it comes to night, they do not see well or fail to anticipate danger. Some also drive at speeds that cannot be controlled,” he explained.
Okello dismissed claims that poor road conditions or vehicle defects are the main causes of most crashes, arguing that many accidents occur on well-maintained highways involving relatively new vehicles.
“When we look at these accidents, the roads are okay and many of the buses are new. That is why we estimate that about 85 percent of these accidents are caused by human error,” he said.
He called on drivers to ensure they are adequately rested and mentally prepared before starting journeys, especially night trips.
“Please do not get into the machine when you know you are not ready to operate it. Do not force yourself to drive when you are tired,” he warned.
The drivers’ leader urged motorists to embrace defensive driving and respect all road users regardless of the type of vehicle they operate.
“Every life matters. Whether someone is driving a taxi, riding a motorcycle or walking, we all have the same right to safety on the road,” he said.
Okello identified dangerous overtaking, failure to observe road markings, speeding at black spots and poorly marked stationary trucks as some of the factors contributing to road crashes.
He appealed to government agencies to improve warning signs around broken-down vehicles and accident-prone sections of roads to reduce risks for motorists.
The association is currently conducting road safety sensitisation and capacity-building programmes for bus drivers, truck drivers, taxi operators and motorcycle riders across Northern Uganda.
Okello also urged passengers to play a more active role in promoting road safety by speaking out whenever drivers are speeding or driving recklessly.
“If you sit in a bus, taxi or boda boda, you have the right to say, ‘Drive me slowly.’ If you keep quiet, you may only speak if you survive,” he said.
He challenged transport companies to strengthen recruitment procedures by conducting background checks on drivers and verifying their driving records before employment.
“Do not recruit someone simply because you heard they worked for another company. Check their background, their accident history and their conduct before putting them behind the wheel,” he said.
Okello further called on bus operators to provide drivers with annual leave to reduce fatigue, arguing that many spend long periods on the road without adequate rest.
“A driver cannot work from January to January without leave. According to labour laws, workers are entitled to at least 21 days of leave annually. Rest is important for safety,” he said.
He also appealed to government to expand refresher training programmes beyond bus drivers to include truck drivers, taxi operators and other commercial vehicle users.
“As road users, safety is our collective responsibility. We should not leave it to the police or the media alone. Everyone must play a role in making our roads safer,” Okello said.