The annual performance report for 2023 by the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety of the Uganda Police Force presents a comprehensive overview of the traffic and road safety landscape in the country. Highlighting significant trends, it emphasizes the escalating rate of road traffic fatalities within Uganda. Particularly vulnerable groups include pedestrians, passengers on motorcycle taxis (boda bodas), and the riders themselves. The report underscores the preventable nature of these accidents.
Nature of Road Traffic Crashes, 2023
- Total crashes: 23,608
- Fatal crashes: 4,179
- Serious crashes: 12,487
- Minor crashes: 6,942
Monthly Trends of Crashes and Fatalities
December recorded the highest number of crashes at 2,131, while January had the lowest at 1,787. July saw the highest fatalities (457), whereas November registered the lowest (332).
Time of Crashes
- 62% of crashes occurred during the daytime (0700-1859hrs).
- The highest number of crashes (3,681) was between 1800 and 1959hrs, while the lowest occurred between 0000hrs and 0159hrs.
Crashes by Day of the Week
Saturday had the most crashes (3,675), with Tuesday reporting the fewest. Fatal crashes were more common on Sundays, while Tuesdays saw the least.
Crashes by Collision Type
- Pedestrian collisions: 20%
- Rear-end collisions: 17.85%
- Side swipes: 14.3%
- Head-on collisions: 11.3%
- Angle collisions: 9.5%
Causes of Crashes
Careless overtaking and speeding accounted for 52% of all crashes.
Class of Vehicles Involved
Motorcycles were involved in 36% of crashes, followed by motor cars at 28%.
Victims/Casualties
- Total casualties: 24,728
- Fatalities: 4,806
- Seriously injured: 16,736
- Minor injuries: 3,186
Fatalities by Road User Category
Motorcycle riders and passengers accounted for 45% of fatalities, followed by pedestrians at 37%.
Pedestrian Activity
- 632 pedestrians were killed while crossing the road.
- 566 pedestrians were killed while walking along the road.
- 145 pedestrians were killed while standing along the road.
Serious Injuries by Road User Category
67% of seriously injured persons were males.
Crash Victims by Age and Gender
- 74% of fatalities were males.
- More than half of fatalities were individuals under 35 years old.
The report provides crucial insights for policymakers, law enforcement, and road safety advocates to address the pressing issues affecting traffic and road safety in Uganda.
