By Frank Kamuntu
In a recent traffic accident report, a total of 432 accidents were recorded, with 97 being fatal, 202 were serious, and 133 were minor. Among the 424 victims, 100 lost their lives, while 324 sustained injuries.
The fatalities included 42 motorcycle riders (13 passengers and 29 riders) as well as 40 pedestrians.
On July 16, 2023, at around 8:30 PM, a fatal accident occurred at Muzizi Forest along the Kagadi-Kyenjojo Road in Kagadi District. The collision involved two vehicles, namely the UAD 431Q Trailer and the UAM 426V Toyota Hiace.
Preliminary findings indicate that the UAD 431Q Trailer, traveling from Sudan to Congo along the Kagadi-Kyenjojo route, failed to negotiate a corner at Muzizi Forest, resulting in a collision with the UAM 426V Toyota Hiace.
The impact claimed the lives of 15 individuals on board the Toyota Hiace, including the driver and conductor, while three others sustained injuries. One passenger in the Toyota Hiace and two individuals in the Trailer, including the driver and a turn man, were injured.
The victims were transported to Kagadi Hospital for medical treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were taken to Kagadi Hospital Mortuary.
The causes of these accidents have been attributed to various factors, including:
1. Speeding and exceeding prescribed speed limits
2. Careless overtaking maneuvers
3. Overtaking on blind corners and hills
4. Attempting overtaking maneuvers when faced with multiple vehicles ahead
5. Distracted driving, such as using mobile phones or messaging while operating a vehicle
6. Road obstruction caused by broken-down vehicles
Uganda Police Traffic Directorate Spokesperson SP Kananura Michael says to promote road safety, it is crucial for all road users to adhere to the following guidelines:
1. Adhere to speed limits on all roads
2. Exercise caution and patience when overtaking other vehicles
3. Place rectangular reflectors both in front and behind broken-down vehicles to alert other road users
4. Report broken-down vehicles to the nearest police station for proper traffic control and removal
5. Remain vigilant and report any road obstructions, including broken-down vehicles, to the toll-free line 0800199099.
