Uganda witnessed a staggering 30 percent surge in road fatalities in 2023, as reported in the annual traffic and safety report released on Wednesday. According to Inspector General of Police Martins Okoth Ochola, a total of 4,179 lives were tragically lost on the roads, marking a significant increase from the previous year’s toll.
The concerning statistics unveiled by Ochola during the launch of the report painted a grim picture of road safety in the East African nation. Notably, the death toll in road crashes soared by 30 percent compared to the figures recorded in 2022, reaching 4,179 fatalities in 2023 from 3,210 the year prior. Additionally, serious crashes surged to 12,487 cases in 2023 from 8,860 in 2022, indicating a worrying trend.
The annual report revealed a total of 23,608 road crashes in 2023, representing a notable uptick from the 20,394 cases documented in 2022. This sharp rise in road accidents underscores the urgent need for effective measures to address the underlying factors contributing to this concerning trend.
Furthermore, the report highlighted a 15.5 percent increase in common offenses recorded by the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety nationwide. The number of cases surged from 456,993 in 2022 to 528,025 in 2023, indicating a pervasive issue that demands immediate attention and intervention.
In response to the alarming rise in accident rates, law enforcement authorities have intensified efforts to enforce traffic laws and regulations. Special operations targeting commercial motorcycle riders, commuter passenger taxis, and other high-risk factors such as speeding and drunk driving have been prioritized to mitigate the incidence of road crashes.
The proactive measures undertaken by the police underscore a concerted effort to address the root causes of road accidents and enhance road safety across Uganda. However, sustained collaborative action involving government agencies, stakeholders, and the public is imperative to effectively curb the escalating fatalities and promote responsible road behavior.
