Road Safety Commitments for Safer Streets. #MakeItSafe
Paving the Way for Safer Streets: Uganda’s Push for Pedestrian Safety Amid Rising Road Crashes
Uganda faces a growing crisis on its roads, where the number of pedestrian deaths continues to rise at an alarming rate. Traffic police statistics from 2023 revealed that 1,675 pedestrians lost their lives in road crashes, translating to nearly five fatalities every day. Many of these deaths occur at busy intersections where basic safety measures are absent, exposing the most vulnerable road users to life-threatening risks.
Global Alliance of NGOs on road safety organizations have long advocated for cost-effective, proven interventions to address the dangers faced by pedestrians. These measures include speed humps, raised pedestrian crossings, visible zebra crossings, and protected roadside walkways. Yet in many parts of Uganda, these safety features remain scarce, particularly in high-traffic areas, further endangering lives.
The Mobility Snapshot Campaign
In a bid to change this, the ‘Mobility Snapshot 2024 Campaign’ seeks to shine a light on the pressing need for safer intersections in Uganda. The campaign uses local data to assess how many people use specific intersections and whether essential safety measures are in place. By highlighting the dangers pedestrians face, the initiative aims to push for proven, affordable solutions that can create safer, more sustainable streets for everyone.
Alarming Findings
A recent assessment of pedestrian safety at a critical junctions in the city, using a star rating system, revealed shocking results. Both junctions scored zero stars, indicating significant deficiencies in infrastructure and design that pose substantial risks to pedestrians.
“The findings from the Mobility Snapshot Campaign have highlighted critical issues at intersections, particularly for pedestrians. It is vital that these areas receive immediate attention,” Eng.Leonard Mwesigwa, road safety engineer at KCCA.
Mwesigwa dded, “Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has pledged to repaint zebra crossings, remove illegal humps, and integrate safety measures into future road reconstruction projects, especially in high-pedestrian zones like schools, hospitals, and markets.”
UNRA’s Response
Efforts are also being made by the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) to improve road safety across the country. In a recent engagement, Eng. Norman Byamukama, a road safety specialist at UNRA, emphasized ongoing projects to enhance safety on both newly constructed and older national roads.
“We are working to update road designs to better cater to all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. One of the major improvements is the use of Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) for road signs, which is less prone to theft due to its reduced scrap value,” explained Byamukama.
He also pointed out the inconsistent sizes of speed humps and rumble strips due to poor post-construction supervision, which presents a danger to road users. “The standard height for humps should be 10 mm, while rumble strips should range between 10 and 15 mm. It’s crucial for pedestrian crossings to always be marked in black and white,” he added.
Government and Law Enforcement Initiatives
During a meeting chaired by the Commissioner for Transport Regulation and Safety, discussions centered on promoting helmet use among boda boda riders, addressing post-crash care, and tackling the challenges of Non-Motorized Transport (NMT) corridors. The Commissioner underscored the importance of auditing buildings that encroach on walkways, which force pedestrians onto roads, placing them at greater risk.
The Commissioner further noted the Ministry of Works and Transport’s (MoWT) commitment to supporting civil society organizations (CSOs) in road safety initiatives. “We are improving speed limit regulations and implementing an Intelligent Transport Management System to combat traffic congestion in Kampala,” said the Commissioner.
Uganda Police’s Role
Meanwhile, the Uganda Police Force, led by SSP Bettinah, applauded the efforts of CSOs working in road safety, calling for ongoing collaboration. She acknowledged the difficulties in enforcing speed limits on congested roads but stressed that initiatives like installing speed cameras and promoting helmet use among boda riders are underway.
“Public sensitization about these new measures is essential,” SSP Bettinah explained. “Reviving the ‘name and shame’ campaign could encourage more responsible road behavior.”
A Call to Action
Road safety is not just a matter of infrastructure; it is about creating fairer, healthier, and more sustainable societies. The Mobility Snapshot Campaign, alongside efforts by UNRA, KCCA, and the Uganda Police Force, is a call to action for communities and decision-makers to demand and implement safer roads.
Every dollar invested in road infrastructure yields an $8 return in reduced health and insurance costs. It’s time we prioritize the safety of all road users, particularly pedestrians, whose lives are most at risk.
Through these collaborative efforts, Uganda aims to turn the tide on pedestrian deaths and pave the way toward a safer future for everyone who uses its roads.
