By Ameria Nayebare,
KAMPALA
The Uganda Traffic Police have reported a sharp rise in road crashes over the past week, with motorcycle-related accidents causing the highest number of fatalities.
Speaking to journalists, Traffic Police spokesperson Michael Kananura revealed that 53% of the total deaths recorded between February 23 and March 1, 2025, resulted from motorcycle crashes. He added that pedestrian-related accidents accounted for 23% of the fatalities.
Kananura attributed the increase in crashes to unsafe overtaking, which caused 30% of the incidents, followed by speeding at 22%. Other significant causes included hit-and-run cases (13%) and following too closely (7%).
One of the most tragic accidents occurred in Tororo on February 24, when a motorcycle carrying two female passengers collided with a train heading to Malaba. The rider and one passenger died instantly.
In another incident on February 26, a trailer carrying cement lost control after hitting a pothole in Namataba, Mukono, along the Jinja-Kampala highway. The truck crashed into commercial structures and a residential house, killing three pedestrians and injuring six others.
On February 28, a truck carrying soda overturned onto a motorcycle near Lugogo Cricket Oval, killing both the rider and the passenger. Preliminary investigations point to speeding, reckless driving, and possible brake failure.
To curb rising traffic violations, the police have intensified enforcement operations, arresting 1,041 drivers for offenses such as driving without valid licenses, dangerous loading, and careless driving. Additionally, over 1,300 motorcycles were impounded for violations, including riding without a license and failure to wear helmets.
Kananura emphasized that traffic operations and public awareness campaigns will continue, with a focus on reckless driving and unauthorized road maneuvers.
The Traffic Police urge all road users to exercise caution, follow traffic rules, and work together to reduce road crashes and save lives.
