The Uganda police are set to introduce route charts and driver badges for minibuses and coasters with an aim to reduce accidents and ensure safer road travel for all Ugandans.
SP Michael Kananura, while addressing the media at Uganda Police Headquarters on Monday, December 30, 2024, highlighted their success during the Christmas season and reported the badge system, which includes a thorough vetting process, has already proven effective with bus drivers.
According to Kananura, the introduction of route charts has also already proven effective in reducing accidents caused by driver fatigue, a common issue during long-distance travel.
“By using route charts, we minimised those who wanted to make return journeys, as fatigue from driving long distances often leads to crashes,” he said.
“Route charts prevent unnecessary return trips by regulating driver routes, thus reducing fatigue-related accidents,” he added.
Kananura said in addition to route charts, driver badges will be introduced to ensure that only qualified and responsible drivers operate public transport.
“The process we use to vet drivers for badges has been very effective,” Kananura said, emphasising that drivers with bad records won’t qualify for badges, an initiative that aims to reduce reckless driving and improve road safety.
“Together working with the Ministry of Works and Transport will, by 2025, introduce both route charts and driver badges to all minibuses and coasters,” Kananura remarked.
He further gave an update about the traffic incidents that occurred during the festive season.
“During the 2024 Christmas season, Uganda Police arrested 236 drivers between December 23-30 for various offences: 78 for driving without licenses, 110 for overspeeding, 16 for drunk driving, and 32 for reckless driving.’’ He said.
One common issue that caused accidents was cars following too closely to each other, leading to accidents.
Kananura also updated the public on the Kampala Northern Bypass construction between Busega and Kisaasi, urging motorists to follow diversions and instructions from traffic officers. He advised those with urgent travel needs to use alternative routes.
