As the Easter season draws near, authorities are raising serious concerns about road safety, urging the public to think carefully about how they travel during this busy period. With movement expected to increase significantly, officials are cautioning that poor transport choices could lead to tragic consequences.
Particular attention has been placed on the use of open trucks for passenger travel, a practice officials describe as highly dangerous and irresponsible. These vehicles, originally designed for carrying goods, offer little to no protection for human occupants, especially in the event of sudden braking, collisions, or rollovers.
Michael Kananura from the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety emphasized that many people continue to ignore the risks, often prioritizing convenience or cost over safety. He warned that riding in open trucks exposes passengers to severe injuries or death, particularly during crashes where there are no restraints or structural protections.
The Easter period is traditionally marked by increased travel, bustling markets, and heightened economic activity. As people move between towns and villages, the demand for transport rises sharply, sometimes leading individuals to opt for unsafe and unauthorized means just to reach their destinations quickly.
Authorities are now calling on community leaders, local officials, and market organizers to take a more active role in guiding people toward safer transport options. They stress that enforcement alone is not enough, especially since many of these risky journeys occur at night or along routes that are difficult to monitor consistently.
Kananura highlighted that responsibility does not rest solely with law enforcement agencies. Instead, it requires a collective effort from the public, community representatives, and transport providers to ensure that safety is prioritized at all times. He urged leaders at all levels to educate and influence their communities to avoid dangerous travel habits.
Recent data from the Uganda Police Force Annual Crime Report 2024 reinforces these concerns, showing a clear pattern of increased accidents during festive seasons. December, for instance, recorded the highest number of crashes, underscoring how heightened travel activity often leads to more road incidents.
With Easter expected to follow a similar trend, authorities are appealing to all road users to remain vigilant, obey traffic laws, and make responsible decisions. The message is clear: choosing safe transport is not just a personal decision—it is a vital step toward preventing unnecessary injuries and saving lives.
