By KT Reporter
According to the latest statistics from the Traffic Police, 306 pedestrians have been killed while crossing various roads in just six months, averaging one fatality per day. The majority of these deaths occurred in urban areas and along highways, with many victims struck at designated crossing points, including Zebra crossings.
Superintendent of Police Michael Kananura, the Traffic Police Spokesperson, attributed much of the danger to the behavior of drivers and motorcyclists who disregard pedestrian rights of way. He noted that many drivers continue to accelerate even when approaching pedestrian crossings, failing to stop or slow down in time.
“When motorists are driving, they lose control and ram into these pedestrians. This highlights the urgent need to safeguard pedestrians. It is important to adhere to speed limits. If you are speeding, you will not be able to stop at a pedestrian crossing point,” Kananura said.
Road safety advocate Jackson Musoga, the programs officer for Save Transport and Survivors Support Uganda (STASSU), emphasized that many urban roads and highways lack proper safety measures for pedestrians. He highlighted the dangerous conditions at intersections like Kabalagala and Mapeera roads in Kampala, where pedestrians, including vulnerable groups like children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities, struggle to navigate through moving vehicles and motorcycles.
“When you stand at the intersection between Mapeera and Mabirizi buildings in the middle of Kampala City, it is when you realize that as a country we haven’t prioritized pedestrians’ safety,” Musoga stated.
Musoga pointed out that the Kabalagala intersection, which serves numerous schools, businesses, and markets, lacks essential pedestrian safety features such as raised crossings, speed humps, or visible Zebra crossings. These basic and cost-effective measures could significantly improve pedestrian safety, he argued. SP Kananura also shared that, apart from those killed while crossing roads, 264 pedestrians have died while walking along roads, and 173 have been killed while engaged in activities such as cleaning, jogging, or selling merchandise.
“We have not given priority to pedestrians at cross points. This is very dangerous. When you reach a crossing point, please stop and let pedestrians pass. It is important to maintain vehicles in good condition. Many vehicles fail to brake even when the driver attempts. Please regularly check your vehicle tyres and brakes,” Kananura advised.
The statistics, covering January to June this year, were released shortly after a tragic incident last week in Kabulengwa, Nansana Municipality, Wakiso District, where an Isuzu truck failed to brake on a hill, killing two children, aged six and seven-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
