Traffic police say men die most as weekends turn deadliest on roads

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A shocking case of a police driver clocked at over 300km/h on an express highway has heightened concerns over reckless driving in Uganda, as traffic authorities warn that most fatal crashes occur on Fridays and weekends.

Speaking at the release of the 2025 Annual Crime Report on Monday (March 30), the Director of Traffic and Road Safety, Lawrence Niwabiine, said dangerous speeding and indiscipline on the road remain key drivers of rising crash numbers, particularly during high-activity periods.

“We are seeing very risky behaviour on our roads, including extreme speeding. These incidents are not isolated, and they explain why many crashes are happening, especially on weekends when traffic volumes and social activities increase,” Niwabiine said.

He revealed that Uganda registered 26,444 road crashes in 2025, with December emerging as the most dangerous month due to heightened travel, festivities, and increased human activity.

“December is a high-pressure month with a lot of movement and celebrations. Naturally, this leads to more crashes,” he noted.

Weekend death trap

Niwabiine warned that Fridays through Sundays remain the deadliest period on Uganda’s roads, with men forming the majority of victims.

“Most fatal crashes happen over the weekend. This is when we see a combination of speeding, fatigue, alcohol use, and general disregard for traffic rules. Men are disproportionately affected, both as drivers and victims,” he said.

Rising crash numbers

Despite intensified road safety campaigns launched in 2021 targeting churches, schools, and community leaders, crash numbers have continued to rise.

Police recorded over 26,000 crashes in 2025, alongside hundreds of serious accidents involving injuries.

Niwabiine said while awareness efforts have expanded, rapid urbanisation and increased vehicle numbers are outpacing safety interventions.

“When you look at the trend from 2021 to 2025, crashes are increasing. This reflects the level of growth in the country: more vehicles, more road users, but also more risk,” he explained.

Motorcycles, commonly known as boda bodas, remain the most dangerous category on Ugandan roads, contributing to a significant share of both crashes and serious injuries.

“Motorcycles are highly exposed and inherently risky. They account for a large proportion of serious crashes and fatalities,” Niwabiine said.

He added that private cars and unidentified vehicles also contribute significantly to crash statistics, with hit-and-run incidents complicating investigations.

While overall crash numbers are rising, Niwabiine noted a concerning trend involving children and young people.

“We have observed notable involvement of those aged 18 and below in road crashes. This is why we intensified school-based road safety education, but more needs to be done,” he said.

The traffic boss pointed to the growing use of technology, including AI-powered traffic cameras, as a key intervention in enforcing road discipline.

“We are integrating AI cameras and other digital tools to monitor traffic behaviour. This will help us detect speeding, dangerous driving, and other violations in real time,” he said.