Uganda’s traffic police are known for their dedication and zeal, always reporting very early on the roads, including weekends and holidays, to leaving very late, yet road accidents continue to rise.
Jinja Resident City Commissioner Richard Gulume Balyainho expressed concern over the increasing number of road crashes, questioning the effectiveness of traffic police enforcement.
“…they are very religious by always reporting as early as 6am and leaving at 6pm including weekends and holidays, but we need to find out whether the output is commensurate with their zeal…”,Gulume said amidst a prolonged laughter.
He was on Tuesday speaking during the commissioning ceremony of Samuel Leeds Orthopedics Ward and Oxygen Plant at the Jinja Regional Referral Hospital where Rt Hon Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister/EAC Affairs Minister was chief guest.
According to the Uganda Police’s annual traffic report for 2023, the country witnessed 23,608 road crashes, resulting in 4,806 fatalities. Pedestrians and motorcyclists were among the most vulnerable groups, accounting for 37% and 45% of fatalities, respectively.
According to the police and other experts, causes of road crashes include careless overtaking and speeding, which was identified as the primary causes of road accidents, accounting for 52% of all crashes.
The report also highlighted the prevalence of vehicles in hazardous mechanical conditions, with 99,068 cases reported in 2023 ².
Gulume emphasized the need for rigorous and professional training for drivers, particularly boda-boda riders and drivers. He noted that anyone who can ignite an engine is allowed on the roads, contributing to the high accident rates.
The RCC urged stakeholders to take a keen interest in addressing the issue of road safety.
With a significant portion of Uganda’s health budget allocated to treating accident victims, reducing road crashes is crucial.
To combat the rising accident rates, experts suggest improved driver/rider training programmes to ensure motorists are equipped with proper road safety knowledge and enhanced vehicle inspection to remove vehicles in hazardous mechanical conditions from the roads.
There is also an increased call for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and regulations to deter careless driving practices like drunk-driving, usage of mobile phones while driving, overloading, and overspeeding, among others.
By implementing these measures, it’s hoped that Uganda can reduce the number of road accidents and ensure safer roads for all users.
Gulume also used the occasion to ask the Ministry of Health officials to expand the Casualty ward, also known as the Emergency ward, at the Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, where accident and other emergency cases are handled.
“…the area is so small that most times you find patients in critical conditions lying helpless on the floor, making it very difficult for the medics to manage their different delicate conditions…” Gulume lamented.
Also known as an emergency department (ED), it is a hospital division that provides immediate medical attention to patients with acute injuries or illnesses that require urgent care.
According to experts, emergency wards operate around the clock, receiving patients at any time, and patients are quickly assessed and prioritized based on the severity of their condition.
Emergency Ward has emergency medicine specialists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to work together to provide care.
Do you have a story in your community or an opinion to share with us: Email us at editorial@watchdoguganda.com
