Motorcyclists and pedestrians accounted for the majority of deaths recorded in road traffic crashes during the just-concluded Christmas festive season, despite an overall reduction in the number of crashes compared to last year, Police have said.
Addressing journalists at Police Headquarters in Naguru on Monday, the PRO-Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, Michael Kananura, said the update covered the period between 22nd and 28th December 2025, when traffic volumes increased across the country.
Kananura said motorcyclists, including riders and passengers, made up 44 per cent of total fatalities, while pedestrians accounted for 34 per cent, highlighting the continued vulnerability of non-motorised and two-wheel road users.
“Although we registered fewer crashes compared to the same period in 2024, lives were still lost and many people were injured, with vulnerable road users being the most affected,” Kananura said.
Police attributed most motor vehicle crashes to careless overtaking, which accounted for 28 per cent, followed by speeding at 18 per cent and following too closely at 10 per cent.
Kananura cited a particularly tragic crash in Lwengo District, where seven members of the same family died in a head-on collision along the Masaka–Mbarara Highway.
The crash occurred at Njagalakasayi in the early hours of Saturday, December 27, involving a Toyota Fielder and a Fuso Fighter truck. Preliminary investigations indicated that the driver of the Toyota crossed into the lane of oncoming traffic, leading to the fatal collision.
“All seven occupants of the Toyota Fielder—a man, his wife, their four children and the man’s brother—died at the scene,” Kananura said.
Police said the relative improvement in road safety was a result of joint efforts with stakeholders, including the Ministry of Works and Transport and the Uganda Professional Drivers’ Network, particularly through public awareness campaigns and targeted enforcement.
Key interventions included the enforcement of ‘Arrive Alive’ operations, use of breath analysers to curb drink-driving, regulation of bus operators through route charts, and action against unroadworthy vehicles and illegal or modified lights.
As the country heads into the New Year, Kananura urged all road users to exercise caution, especially during night travel.
“We appeal to motorists, riders and pedestrians to observe speed limits, avoid reckless overtaking and drink-driving, maintain safe following distances and ensure they are well-rested to avoid fatigue-related crashes,” he said.
Police said road safety operations will continue into the New Year, as they called on all Ugandans to play their part in making roads safer.
“Stay alert. Stay responsible. Stay alive,” Kananura said.
