The Traffic and Road Safety Directorate in Uganda has partnered with activists to launch a road safety awareness campaign targeting young people. This initiative comes in response to a recent annual traffic report that revealed a significant proportion of road crash fatalities involve individuals under the age of 30. The alarming statistics have raised concerns about road safety in the country.
According to the annual police crime report released in March 2026, at least 5,383 Ugandans lost their lives in road crashes in 2025. Young people below 30 years old accounted for a substantial number of these deaths. Superintendent of Police Michael Kananura, spokesperson for the directorate, emphasized that reckless driving, speeding, and driving under the influence of alcohol continue to pose significant threats to road safety.
The country loses an average of 15 people daily to road crashes, with careless overtaking and speeding accounting for nearly 50% of road crashes. Human error contributes to approximately 95% of the causes of road crashes. Kananura made these remarks during a press conference in Kampala ahead of the Joe Walker Remembrance Walk scheduled for November 14. The walk aims to honor victims of road crashes and raise public awareness about road safety.
The impact of road crashes extends beyond the immediate victims to their families, including widows, widowers, and orphans. In 2025, 18,444 people sustained serious injuries in road crashes. The Kampala metropolitan areas, including the southern, eastern, and northern corridors, have recorded high numbers of fatalities. December saw the highest number of crashes, while Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays registered more deaths than other days of the week.
The period between 6 pm and 8 pm has been identified as particularly hazardous. Kananura attributed weekend fatalities partly to drunk driving, citing police operations that have encountered motorists driving under the influence of alcohol. He cautioned motorists against speeding and overtaking at corners and pedestrian crossings, where visibility is limited.
The police will intensify operations against reckless boda boda riders, especially those driving against traffic. Offenders risk arrest and having their motorcycles impounded. Kananura urged content creators to avoid distractions while driving, specifically recording videos behind the wheel. He emphasized that police prefer to educate the public about road safety before resorting to enforcement measures.
Joe Walker, founder of the Joe Walker Foundation, stated that the November 14 walk will provide an opportunity for Ugandans to remember those killed on the roads and demand safer transport systems. The walk, starting at 6 am from Sheraton Kampala Hotel, aims to raise awareness and promote a culture of road safety. The 5,383 people killed in 2025 should not be treated as mere statistics, as each death represents a family affected by road crashes.
Key points
- 5,383 Ugandans were killed in road crashes in 2025
- Young people under 30 account for a significant proportion of road crash fatalities
- Police to intensify operations against reckless boda boda riders and motorists driving under the influence of alcohol
