As Easter approaches, authorities are intensifying their appeal to the public to prioritize safety on the roads during what is expected to be a surge in travel. The festive season, often associated with family visits and commercial activity, also brings a worrying rise in accidents, prompting urgent calls for caution.
Officials are especially alarmed by the continued use of open trucks to transport passengers, a practice they describe as extremely hazardous. These vehicles are not built for human travel, leaving passengers completely exposed and vulnerable in the event of a crash or sudden movement.
According to Michael Kananura of the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, many individuals knowingly take these risks, often driven by convenience or limited transport options. He stressed that such decisions can have devastating consequences, particularly during high-traffic periods like Easter.
The holiday season typically sees a sharp increase in movement across towns and rural areas, as well as busy marketplaces. This spike in activity often leads to overcrowded or unsafe transport arrangements, with some people resorting to any available means just to reach their destinations.
Authorities are now urging local leaders, market heads, and community representatives to step in and help influence safer behavior. They emphasize that enforcement officers cannot be everywhere, especially at night when many of these trucks operate on less monitored routes.
Kananura underscored that road safety must be treated as a shared duty, not just a law enforcement issue. Communities are being encouraged to actively discourage dangerous practices and guide people toward approved and secure modes of transport.
Statistics from the Uganda Police Force Annual Crime Report 2024 highlight a troubling pattern, with festive periods recording spikes in road accidents. December alone saw the highest number of crashes, drawing a clear connection between increased travel and higher risk.
With similar conditions expected during Easter, authorities are making a final appeal for vigilance and responsibility. Choosing safer travel options, they say, could mean the difference between life and death, making every decision on the road count.
