BY MUZAFALUH KABUULWA
The Uganda Traffic Police Force has reported that 67 people have died in 447 road accidents that were recorded between July 3 and July 9, 2023, 235 were seriously injured while the rest rest were minor.
The police says that out of the 67 people who perished in these accidents, 38 were both passengers and riders of motorcycles and 26 pedestrians whereas motorcycles also contributed to the biggest number of those injured in accidents on Ugandan roads last week.
This was communicated during the weekly security brief by Michael Kananura, the Traffic Police spokesperson told journalists on Monday at the headquarters in Naguru, Kampala.
“We have found out that majority of the accidents are due to reckless driving, over speeding, overtaking in dangerous areas, driving under the influence of alcohol, and speaking on the phone while driving,” Mr Kananura said.
This report comes days after renowned Ugandan business man Apollo Nyegamehe perish in a road accident after his car was rammed into a stationary lorry along Mbarara-Kabale highway in Ntungamo District.
Last month the President Museveni assented to the Traffic and Road Safety amendment law 2023 in which there are increments in the fine to driving past the speed limit to Shs2 million fine from Shs200, 000 or jail sentence for up to three years or both.
Section 119A (3) of the same provides that a person who fails to comply with a speed limit set under subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding one hundred currency points or imprisonment not exceeding three years, or both.
The Uganda Traffic Police Force continues to address the issue of speed limits, since they vary depending on the area and the type of vehicle being driven. On highways, for example, motorbikes and saloon cars should not exceed 100km/hr on paved rural roads and 80km/hr on gravel roads, whereas vans, pick-up trucks, and trucks hauling less than 3500kg should not exceed 80km/hr on paved rural roads and 60 km/hr on gravel roads.
Minibuses or taxis may go at 80km/hr on paved rural roads and 60km/hr on gravel roads. Buses and coaches should not exceed 80km/hr on paved rural roads and 60km/hr on gravel routes.