KAMPALA UGANDA: 29 December, 2025– Uganda has recorded a decrease in road traffic crashes during the 2025 Christmas week compared to the previous year, despite a significant surge in vehicles on the road.
According to a statement released by Michael Kananura, the spokesperson for the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, the period between December 22 and December 28 saw improved safety figures. Police attributed this trend to heightened public awareness campaigns and aggressive enforcement operations.
Tragic Highway Incident
Despite the overall decline in numbers, the week was marred by a devastating collision on the Masaka–Mbarara Highway. In the early hours of Saturday, December 27, seven family members lost their lives in a single crash in Lwengo District.
Police noted that while motor vehicle crashes were often caused by speeding and careless overtaking, the most “vulnerable road users”—specifically pedestrians and motorcyclists—accounted for the majority of the recorded incidents.
Enforcement and Arrests
The “Arrive Alive” operations led to the apprehension of 154 drivers for various safety violations. The breakdown of offenses highlights ongoing challenges with driver discipline:
According to the police report, 42 drivers were apprehended for reckless driving (overtaking and over speeding), 42 were carrying excess passengers, 38 were found driving without a valid license, 13 on dangerous loading, while 12 were found driving under the influence of alcohol.
Additionally, seven abandoned vehicles were towed during the operations.
A Joint Effort for 2026
The police credited the improved statistics to a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT), the Uganda Professional Drivers’ Network (UPDN), and the media.
As the country prepares for the New Year celebrations, Kananura urged the public to remain vigilant.
”All road users are urged to prioritize safety by observing speed limits, avoiding drink-driving, and limiting night travel where possible to avoid fatigue-related crashes,” Kananura stated.
Traffic police confirmed that these safety interventions will remain in full force throughout the New Year period to ensure a peaceful start to 2026.
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