Police say the number of people in Uganda who die in road crashes has risen to alarming levels.

In their latest performance report, the Uganda Police Force (UPF) said the number of reported fatalities in the country increased by 6%, from 4,534 in 2022 to 4,806 in 2023.

They also say the number of serious injuries increased by 10% from 15,227 in 2022 to 16,736 in 2023 and that those that sustained minor injuries increased by 86%, from 1,712 in 2022 to 3,186 in 2023.

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They note that it is crucial for all stakeholders to collaboratively address the root causes of these deaths and come up with preventive measures to reduce their occurrences.

“Data highlighted in this report shows that vulnerable road users in categories of motorcycle riders, passengers on motorcycle, pedestrians and pedal cyclists continue to die in large numbers accounting for 85% of all road traffic deaths,” the report says.

The report was compiled by UPF and it provides the statistical summary of road traffic crashes reported from January 1 to December 31, 2023.

It was further established that more than half of the fatal crashes involved vehicles hitting pedestrians and head-on collisions. In addition, 72% of the pedestrians who died were either knocked while crossing the road or walking along the road.

The stakeholders that were implored to take action include the ministries of works and transport and health; UPF, civil society organisations, the academia, road users and the general public.

The report also says public awareness campaigns, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, building infrastructure that protects pedestrians and riders are some of the interventions that can help in minimizing these deaths.

“As we move forward, it is imperative to learn from the patterns and trends identified in this report, adapting our strategies to mitigate the risks associated with road travel. By fostering a safe systems approach, we can significantly reduce the alarming figures presented in this report and ultimately create roadways that prioritize the well-being of all users,” it says.

The report also notes that the pursuit of safer roads requires a collective commitment to change, and it is only through sustained efforts and synergies that the UPF can aspire to significantly decrease road crashes and build a safer, more secure future for their communities.