Dan Atwijukire Kimosho, the Chairperson of the Committee on Physical Infrastructure and representative of Kazo County in parliament, has expressed concern over the unregulated use of sirens and lead cars in Uganda. While speaking at the closing of the road safety conference in Munyonyo, where he represented the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among Kimosho said that sirens and speeding lead cars contribute to road accidents as they push people off the road to allow them to pass.
The police banned the use of sirens and flashing lights by unauthorized vehicles, primarily to address the abuse of right-of-way privileges. This ban extends to private vehicles, including those driven by government officials, unless authorized by the Minister of Internal Affairs.
Kimosho urged government officials with lead cars and sirens to always plan their journeys on time so that they do not push people off the roads in traffic jams as they force their way to the office due to their delays. He also noted that he has raised the same matter several times in Parliament, but the concerned individuals only promise to come up with reports, which never materialize.
The same concern was raised by stakeholders on the first day of the conference. They asked General Katumba Wamala, the Minister of Works and Transport, to address the issue, stating that it partly contributes to road accidents. The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, in her message delivered by Kimosho, emphasized that road safety is significant in fostering economic growth, alleviating poverty, and saving lives. She stated that road safety is critical to Uganda’s development and urged all stakeholders to work together to address the challenge.
Among also stated that the increasing number of road crashes points to an alarming state of road safety in the country, which is a significant public health concern. These accidents result in loss of life, injury, and economic hardship, affecting families, communities, and Uganda’s overall development.
The Speaker further noted that Parliament is committed to reviewing and strengthening laws related to road safety, promoting awareness campaigns, and working with stakeholders to develop effective road safety strategies. The Uganda Police Force Annual Crime Report for 2024 presents a paradox in road safety: while there has been a 19.2% reduction in common traffic offenses from 528,025 cases in 2023 to 426,432 in 2024, the number of road traffic crashes has increased by 6.4%, and casualties have risen by 4.4%.
According to the report, more crashes (3,790) were reported on Sundays than on any other day of the week in 2024. Additionally, 3,765 and 3,686 crashes were reported on Saturdays and Mondays, respectively. Fewer crashes (3,330) were reported on Tuesdays compared to the other days of the week.
Careless overtaking and speeding were the leading causes of road crashes in 2024, accounting for close to half (44.5%) of all crashes. The road safety conference, held under the theme “Road Safety for Socio-Economic Transformation,” aimed to propel multi-sectoral participation in road safety promotion.
This is a pressing issue that needs immediate attention. The unregulated use of sirens and lead cars is not just a matter of inconvenience but a serious safety hazard. It’s frustrating to hear that despite repeated discussions in Parliament, no concrete action has been taken. Road safety should indeed be a priority for economic growth and public health. However, it’s unclear why the reports promised by officials never materialize. What specific steps can be taken to ensure accountability and enforce the ban effectively? How can the public contribute to holding these officials responsible? It’s time for action, not just words.