Over 90 killed in Easter road crashes, crime

Summary:

• During Uganda’s Easter holiday, 91 individuals tragically lost their lives, with 46 deaths from criminal activities and 45 from road accidents. Motorcycle riders were particularly vulnerable. Police took action, arresting suspects and enforcing traffic laws, emphasizing the need for safer roads and communities.

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During the Easter holiday period in Uganda this year, police statistics unveiled a distressing reality: at least 91 individuals met tragic ends, with a combination of road accidents and criminal incidents being the unfortunate causes. Out of this grim tally, 46 fatalities were attributed to criminal activities, while the remaining 45 resulted from traffic collisions. These sorrowful events unfolded between March 28 and April 01, casting a somber shadow over the holiday season.

Breaking down the figures provided by law enforcement, it’s disheartening to learn that among those who lost their lives in road accidents, 22 were motorcycle riders, 10 were passengers, and an additional five were passengers riding on motorcycles. These statistics underscore the vulnerability of motorcycle users on Uganda’s roads and the urgent need for enhanced safety measures.

Michael Kananura, serving as the spokesperson for the traffic police, provided further insights into the aftermath of these tragic incidents. He disclosed that the road crashes left 120 people injured, scattered across various roads in the country. The regions of Kampala metropolitan area, Albertine, and Wamala bore the brunt of these accidents, witnessing the highest number of road crashes during the Easter period.

In addition to the staggering toll of road accidents, reports from civil society organizations like Safe Way Right Way (SWRW) shed light on a concerning trend. A significant proportion of motorcycle riders and their passengers suffer fatal injuries or life-threatening harm in road accidents due to the failure to wear crash helmets. This underscores the importance of promoting and enforcing helmet usage to mitigate the risk of severe injuries and fatalities on Uganda’s roads.

Fred Enanga, speaking in his capacity as the police spokesperson, addressed the grim reality of criminal incidents during the Easter holidays. He noted that out of the 46 reported deaths, several were attributed to mob justice, aggravated robbery, and incidents of domestic violence. These incidents paint a troubling picture of violence and lawlessness during what should be a time of celebration and reflection.

Enanga further revealed that law enforcement agencies had taken swift action by apprehending 52 suspects believed to be linked to these crimes and killings recorded during the holiday period. Such proactive measures are essential in restoring a sense of safety and security within communities affected by these heinous acts.

Moreover, Enanga highlighted the increase in reportable crimes compared to the previous year’s Easter period. A total of 62 incidents were recorded, resulting in 46 fatalities. These crimes ranged from murders by mob action and aggravated robbery to incidents of domestic violence, highlighting the multifaceted challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in maintaining public safety.

Law enforcement efforts were not limited to reactive measures but also included proactive operations aimed at apprehending suspects and preventing further criminal activities. Operations conducted in regions such as Gombe and Matugga within Nansana Municipality led to the arrest of 20 suspects on Good Friday, demonstrating the commitment of the police to combatting crime.

Additionally, heightened security measures were implemented in Moroto district in response to intelligence indicating potential Turkana attacks. This proactive approach underscores the importance of intelligence gathering and preemptive action in safeguarding communities from external threats.

Kananura emphasized that the traffic police would persist in their operations targeting traffic violators across various routes. During Easter week alone, 786 individuals were apprehended for driving with invalid licenses, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws to promote road safety.

The breakdown of offenses revealed that 89 individuals had no driving licenses, 435 had expired licenses, 257 possessed out-of-class licenses, and five drivers had forged licenses. Such flagrant disregard for traffic regulations poses a significant risk to road users and underscores the importance of robust enforcement measures to deter dangerous driving behaviors.

All the eight defaulters were charged in court, signaling a zero-tolerance approach towards traffic violations that endanger public safety. These measures are crucial in instilling a culture of responsibility and accountability among motorists, ultimately contributing to the reduction of road accidents and fatalities in Uganda.