By Our Reporter
Former State Minister for Tourism and current National Resistance Movement (NRM) Vice Chairperson for Central Region, Godfrey Ssuubi Kiwanda, has survived a serious road accident that occurred earlier today along the Mityana highway.
The crash, described by Kiwanda himself as “deadly,” involved a head-on collision between a salon car and his new orange Toyota Hilux. The incident happened in broad daylight, highlighting ongoing concerns about road safety on Uganda’s highways.
Kiwanda confirmed the accident saying he was being taken to hospital for medical attention. Shortly after the initial report, attempts to reach him for further updates were unsuccessful, as his known phone contacts had gone off.
Causes Of Road Accidents In Uganda
Uganda continues to grapple with a high rate of road traffic accidents, many of which result in fatalities or life-altering injuries. According to the Uganda Police Force, the leading causes of road accidents include:
- Reckless driving and speeding: Many drivers ignore speed limits and drive carelessly, especially on highways like the Mityana road.
- Driving under the influence: Alcohol and drug impairment significantly contribute to driver error and reaction delays.
- Poor road conditions: Potholes, lack of signage, and narrow or poorly lit roads increase accident risk.
- Vehicle mechanical failure: Poor vehicle maintenance, especially among commercial vehicles, often leads to brake failure or tire bursts.
- Overloading: Both passenger and cargo vehicles are frequently overloaded, affecting vehicle control and braking efficiency.
- Inadequate driver training: A considerable number of drivers on Ugandan roads lack proper training or drive without valid licenses.
Uganda’s Road Accident Index
The 2023 Annual Crime and Traffic Report by the Uganda Police Force highlighted alarming figures:
- Total accidents: Over 20,000 road crashes were recorded.
- Fatal accidents: More than 3,500 people lost their lives, while thousands were seriously injured.
- Daily average: Uganda registers an average of 10 deaths per day due to road accidents.
Mityana road, where Kiwanda’s crash occurred, is notorious for frequent collisions due to heavy traffic, poor road design, and overspeeding, making it one of the high-risk corridors in the country.
