By Our Reporter
KAMPALA
The Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, has raised the alarm over increased vandalism of road signs across Uganda, warning that the trend is endangering lives and undermining road safety efforts.
In a statement issued this week, Katumba Wamala described the destruction and theft of road signs as a serious challenge to the ministry’s mandate to deliver safe and reliable road infrastructure. He called on the public to take collective responsibility in protecting these critical safety assets.
“We are faced with the challenge of vandalism of road signs. I wish to make a strong appeal to all of us to protect these assets to ensure that our work sites are secured,” the minister said.
The warning comes amid growing concern over road safety in Uganda. According to the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2024, the country recorded 25,107 road crashes last year, with 5,154 fatalities. Road signs, Katumba emphasized, are essential for guiding motorists, especially in construction zones and accident-prone areas.
The minister noted that the government is undertaking numerous road construction projects nationwide, but the absence of signs due to vandalism puts both road users and construction workers at risk.
“Protecting these road signs is not just about safeguarding government property; it is about saving lives,” he stressed.
Katumba Wamala urged communities to report cases of vandalism and collaborate with the ministry to address road safety issues promptly. He also appealed to all road users to follow safety instructions and speed regulations, pointing out that human behavior — especially speeding — contributes to about 45% of crashes, as cited in the 2024 report.
“The ministry is committed to ensuring all road users are safe, but this requires public cooperation,” he said. “Every life matters.”
Authorities are considering stricter penalties for individuals caught vandalizing road infrastructure as part of broader efforts to enhance road safety across the country.
