Police officer injured in Kampala motorcycle crash
The officer, identified as Corporal Karim Ssempijja, attached to the Kampala Metropolitan Traffic Department, was riding a white BMW police motorbike registration number UP 1179 when the incident occurred at around 8:00 a.m.
Traffic Police Spokesperson Michael Kananura. (File photo)
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A police rider assigned to escort VIP delegates sustained injuries after being involved in a single motorcycle accident on Colville Street, near Statistics House, on October 13, 2025.
The officer, identified as Corporal Karim Ssempijja, attached to the Kampala Metropolitan Traffic Department, was riding a white BMW police motorbike registration number UP 1179 when the incident occurred at around 8:00 a.m.
According to preliminary findings, Ssempijja was heading towards Serena Hotel to pick up delegates when he reportedly swerved to avoid an oncoming vehicle, lost control, and fell.
He sustained multiple injuries and was rushed to Iran Hospital for medical attention.
Traffic Police registered the accident under reference TAR 697/2025 of CPS Kampala, and an investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.
Senior officers say such incidents are common among traffic escort riders due to the high-speed manoeuvres they perform on congested city roads.
“Our riders operate under intense pressure and often respond within seconds to emergencies. Even the smallest distraction can result in a crash,” a traffic expert noted.
Careless pedestrians, dazzling vehicle lights, and failure to observe road rules have been identified as major contributors to Uganda’s rising road crashes, according to the latest Police traffic report.
Speaking to the media at the Police headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, on February 24, 2025, Traffic Police Director Lawrence Niwabiine said 946 pedestrians were involved in crashes due to reckless road use, including walking carelessly along highways and crossing roads without caution.
“We have analysed all these crashes one by one, and no crash is similar to another. Each is unique,” Niwabiine stated.
The report further attributes 335 crashes to drivers neglecting the right-of-way, while violating truck signals and ignoring traffic direction also contributed significantly.
Key causes of road crashes in 2024
- Careless pedestrians: 946 crashes
- Following too closely (tailgating): 1,753 crashes
- Neglecting right-of-way: 335 crashes
- Dazzling vehicle lights: Particularly from trucks and station wagons, affecting visibility and causing accidents
The report highlights that blinding vehicle lights remain a major concern, particularly from truck drivers and station wagons that often use excessively bright headlights.