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In a tragic week marked by 290 road crashes, the aftermath reveals a grim toll with 50 lives lost and 240 individuals nursing injuries, Police have said.

Among the casualties, 14 motorcyclists met their untimely end, emphasizing the urgent need for road safety measures, according to traffic police.

During a media briefing at Police headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, traffic Police spokesperson Michael Kananura attributed the crashes predominantly to speeding.

With the imminent reopening of schools, he urged drivers to conscientiously adhere to road safety regulations, especially regarding speed limits.

Nabweru crash

One poignant incident unfolded at Kawaala Junction in Nabweru, Nansana municipality, where a fatal crash occurred on January 28, 2024, at 12:40 pm.

He said the collision involved a Mitsubishi Fuso truck with registration No. UAQ 539E and three Bajaj Boxer motorcycles bearing the numbers UFS 111, UEP 598K, and UFU 872P, along with unsuspecting pedestrians.

Preliminary reports indicate that the driver of the Mitsubishi Fuso, descending from Kazo towards Kawaala Junction, failed to brake, resulting in a catastrophic collision with motorcycles and pedestrians.

Tragically, two lives were instantly claimed — a passenger on one of the motorcycles and a rider —while eight others, comprising pedestrians, riders, and passengers, sustained injuries.

According to Kananura, swift emergency response saw the injured rushed to Mulago Hospital for urgent medical attention, while the deceased were taken to City Mortuary for postmortem.

Both the motor vehicle and motorcycles were towed to Nabweru police station pending inspection, as investigators diligently worked to unravel the root cause of the incident.

Adding a layer of complexity, the driver of the Mitsubishi Fuso is currently on the run, prompting authorities to launch a manhunt to ensure accountability.

Road safety tips

In the wake of such tragedies, it becomes imperative to impart essential road safety tips to mitigate the risk of accidents:

1. Always drive within the specified speed limits to ensure control and reaction time.

2. Stay focused on the road and avoid distractions such as phone use while driving.

3. Ensure your vehicle is in optimal condition with routine checks and maintenance.

4. Motorcyclists and passengers should always wear helmets and other protective gear.

5. Obey traffic signals, signs, and road markings for a smoother flow of traffic.

6. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front to allow for sudden stops.

7. Ensure your vehicle has working lights, and use indicators to communicate your intentions.

8. Be cautious of pedestrians at all times, especially in busy areas or near crossings.

9. Adjust your driving according to weather conditions, such as rain or fog.

10. Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as it impairs judgment and reaction time.