Lawrence Niwabiine, the acting Police director of Traffic and Road Safety, has expressed deep concern about the rising number of road traffic deaths in Uganda.
In his preface to the 2023 Annual Traffic Performance Report, released on Friday (May 18), Niwabiine emphasized that pedestrians, passengers on boda bodas, and riders are disproportionately affected by road traffic fatalities.
“These accidents can be prevented,” he remarked in a report posted on the Police’s X, formerly Twitter account.
The report revealed a concerning trend: a 16% increase in reported road crashes in 2023 compared to the previous year, with fatal crashes rising by 7%.
Niwabiine underscored the urgent need and unwavering commitment required to address road safety issues in Uganda, as each statistic and figure in the report represents lives lost, injuries sustained, and property damaged.
He emphasized the toll on lives, the strain on health systems, and the economic impact, stressing the necessity for a re-evaluation and strengthening of road safety efforts.
Furthermore, Niwabiine highlighted that the report serves not only to present numbers but also to foster accountability and advocacy. It is a call to action for policymakers, law enforcement, urban planners, and individuals to contribute to safer roads.
He emphasized that road safety demands a comprehensive approach, encompassing education, technology, infrastructure, and robust enforcement.
Niwabiine urged collective efforts to understand the complexity of road crashes and learn from the experiences described in the report. This collective action aims to build safer roads that prioritize the well-being of all road users.
In a spirit of reflection and action, he called for absorbing the insights provided in the report and directing collective energies toward creating a world where every journey is safe and responsible.
Niwabiine concluded with a plea for collaboration in working towards a future where road crashes become a distant memory, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts for road safety.
