KAMPALA — The Bus Drivers Advocacy Forum Uganda (BDAFU) has called for urgent reforms to improve road safety following a series of fatal bus crashes that have claimed lives and left dozens of people injured across the country.
The forum extended condolences to families affected by recent accidents in Mukono along the Namumira–Katosi Road, on the Gulu Highway at Bobi, on the Mbale–Tirinyi Road at Bukoma, and the latest tragedy in Kapchorwa, saying the incidents underscore the need for immediate action to prevent further loss of life.
BDAFU said that although Uganda has made progress in developing road safety policies, several challenges continue to undermine passenger safety, including weak enforcement of traffic laws, poor road infrastructure, inadequate driver training, the absence of mandatory vehicle inspections, reckless road user behaviour and weak post-crash emergency response.
The forum also called on the government to involve bus drivers and other transport stakeholders in policy formulation, driver recruitment, training and retention to ensure only qualified and competent drivers operate public service vehicles.
"We extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to all families who lost their loved ones and those who sustained injuries. The safety and well-being of passengers remain our highest priority, and we stand with the nation during this difficult time," said BDAFU National Chairperson Kakaire Umaru.
Umaru said addressing Uganda's road safety crisis requires stronger enforcement of existing traffic laws and closer collaboration among all stakeholders in the transport sector.
"There is an urgent need to improve enforcement of traffic and road safety laws and to involve the Bus Drivers Advocacy Forum in policy formulation, driver recruitment and training so that the country has the right drivers with the right skills operating public transport," he said.
The forum reaffirmed its commitment to promoting professionalism, accountability and safer passenger transport services, saying stronger collaboration with government agencies and industry stakeholders is essential to restoring public confidence in the country's bus transport sector.
