Seven killed in motorcycle crashes, Police warn riders against speeding and overloading

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At least seven people were killed in two separate motorcycle crashes in the first week of August, prompting fresh calls from the Police for riders and passengers to wear helmets, reflective jackets, and adhere to traffic regulations.

Traffic Police spokesperson Michael Kananura says overall, passengers and pedestrians accounted for 70% of all road deaths in the period, with speeding and careless overtaking causing 55% of the reported crashes.

One of the most fatal incidents occurred yesterday, August 10, at about 9:00am on the Mbarara-Kampala highway in western Uganda. 

According to Kananura, a Bajaj Boxer motorcycle (UFY 068Q) carrying three people collided head-on with an oncoming vehicle (UBJ 801W) after the rider failed to negotiate a corner.

“All three occupants of the motorcycle died on the spot, while the motor vehicle driver sustained injuries,” Kananura said.

Earlier this month, on August 2, another tragedy struck in Tororo District when four members of the same family, riding on a single motorcycle, lost their lives in a crash at Water Village roundabout.

He warned riders against overloading and speeding, saying these violations drastically increase crash risks and severity.

“Do not carry more than one passenger on a motorcycle. Overloading compromises control and stability. The severity of a crash is directly related to the speed involved—if a pedestrian is hit at 30 km/h, there is a 90% chance of survival,” he said.

Addressing journalists at Police headquarters in Naguru on Monday, August 11, Kananura conducted a live demonstration on the importance of properly wearing and fastening a helmet. Holding a helmet and an egg to illustrate head protection, he explained that an unfastened helmet offers little safety in a crash.

“Your head may feel hard, but like an egg, it is delicate. Without a helmet, or with a loose one, an impact will cause serious injury. When the helmet is worn and securely fastened under the chin, it stays firm and absorbs the shock,” he told reporters.

He also showcased a reflective jacket, explaining its role in improving visibility at night and in poor weather.

“These reflective lines bounce back light from approaching vehicles. If our officers must wear them while controlling traffic, how much more should riders and passengers use them for their own safety?” he said.

Kananura urged all road users to exercise extreme caution, particularly at corners and in low-visibility areas, stressing that the two motorcycle crashes alone claimed seven lives in just days.

“We can prevent such tragedies if riders, passengers, and motorists follow traffic rules and use safety gear. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility,” he said.