The Uganda Police Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety has announced increased efforts to prevent accidents in Kampala and surrounding areas during the festival season.
The announcement was made by Michael Kananura, spokesperson for the Uganda Police Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety on December 24, 2024 while speaking to the media, discussing road usage during the holiday season.
Kananura noted that numerous training sessions have been conducted in collaboration with Vivo Energy Uganda, the company that markets Shell fuels and lubricants.
The partnership according to Kananura focuses on teaching public transport drivers, including motorcycle riders, taxi drivers, and bus drivers essential skills to improve their driving abilities, which aimed to prepare them for the increased travel demands during the holiday season.
“As we approach the festive season, this defensive driving training workshop is a vital initiative that is both timely and essential to promote road safety, which is crucial in saving lives and reducing road crashes through responsible road use,” Kananura said.
According to the 2023 Annual Police Crime Report, Uganda recorded an average of 13 road crash fatalities daily, a slight increase compared to previous years.
Vulnerable groups like pedestrians and motorcyclists remain the most affected, constituting 36% and 33% of fatalities, respectively.
The report attributes many incidents to reckless driving, speeding, overloading, and inadequate vehicle maintenance.
Kananura thanked, Valery Okecho, Corporate Communications Manager at Vivo Energy Uganda for working hand in hand with them and supporting government efforts to enhance public transport safety and ensure that more Ugandans reach their destinations safely.
