Traffic accidents highest in Christmas season - report
A file photo of a wreckage of a truck that was involved in an accident on one of Uganda's roads
Traffic accidents are highest in the month of December, especially during the festive season, police statistics indicate.
According to last year’s police crime report, about 300 people died in road accidents while 900 were injured.
Kampala Metropolitan Police Traffic Commander Norman Musinga said they want to reverse the trend this festive season.
“Our mission, therefore, is to ensure a crash-free festive season on highways, roads, municipalities and towns. This can only be achieved through collective effort with all road users,” Mr Musinga said.
Last week, seven people were killed when a bus belonging to Global Coaches Ltd was involved in an accident on Masaka Road.
Mr Musinga said traffic police officers will carry out operations on roads during the festive season. “Endeavour to carry your driving permit at all times. Ensure that your motor vehicles are in good mechanical condition. Don’t drink and drive,” he said.
During the festive season, many motorists travelling up-country often drive while drinking alcohol. Traffic police officers along the highways have been given breathalysers.
Mr Musinga warned public and private cars against overloading during the festive season despite an upsurge in the number of travellers. Due to shortage of public service vans, buses and taxis have increased the fares by more than 20 per cent. Buses that ply routes of 300km and above have also been stopped from making return journeys on the same day.
Police and the Transport Licensing Board say drivers of buses that make return journeys often fall asleep on the way and cause accidents.
Mr Musinga said motorists with express penalty tickets whose payment duration has expired will not be allowed to proceed with their journeys.
“They will first be put in custody and then taken to court,” he said.
