According to a police report on accidents says that, at least 98 persons died on Ugandan roadways over the course of seven days. According to Michael Kananura, the spokesman for the traffic police, 336 persons were injured in various ways and 98 individuals died in crashes across the nation between August 25 and August 31.
“Of the dead, 34 were motorcyclists, 24 passengers in vehicles, 20 pedestrians, 13 passengers on motorcycles, three drivers, two pedal cyclists and two others,” Kananura said. He pointed out that of those who perished, motorcyclists made up 48%, car occupants 26%, pedestrians 20%, and pedal cyclists 2%.
Meanwhile, one of the incidents occurred in Kyenjojo when a taxi collided head-on with a Pokopoko bus, killing ten passengers instantly and injuring nine more. The taxi driver, who was not only unfamiliar with the route but also exhausted from driving long hours from Ntungamo, was held accountable for the accident.
The incident occurred near Kaihura along the Fort Portal Highway on August 28 at 4 a.m. when a taxi driver veered out of his lane and collided with an approaching Isuzu bus. According to the police, speeding and unsafe overtaking were the main causes of wrecks, accounting for 22% and 27% of total incidents, respectively.
MORE: Several People Die in Kyenjojo Accident Between a Bus and Taxi
“We ask motorists and other road users on best practices while on the road. Only overtake when it is safe to do so,” Kananura urged. There were also other accidents along Kampala Masaka highway and most of these have been involving buses and other trucks.
