Kampala, Uganda | As the Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA) undertakes significant road redesigns, including the conversion of roundabouts into T-junctions, Esther Bayiga, a Research Associate at Makerere University’s Trauma, Injuries and Disability (TRIAD) Unit, warns that these changes may pose increased risks to pedestrian safety.
Bayiga presented her findings during her PhD defense, which examined the patterns of pedestrian injuries and fatalities in relation to land use, transportation, and socio-economic factors in Kampala. She emphasized the need for comprehensive government policies to address pedestrian crashes, identifying key black spots around commercial areas and market-adjacent junctions on major roads.
Her research involved focus group discussions with diverse stakeholders, including market vendors, Boda Boda riders, university students, traffic police officers, and taxi drivers. These discussions aimed to understand road users’ perceptions and the factors contributing to injuries and fatalities.
The study revealed that most crashes in Kampala occur during the evening, highlighting the need for responsible street management. Bayiga noted that pedestrians, who are often the most vulnerable users, require particular attention, especially near busy market areas.
According to estimates from the Uganda Police, pedestrians account for 44% of road fatalities. Police reports indicate that approximately thirteen people die daily in road accidents across the country. In 2023, pedestrian fatalities totaled 1,675, while other groups, including motorcyclists and vehicle passengers, also faced significant losses.
Bayiga pointed to successful interventions, such as the non-motorized corridor on Namirembe Road, which previously had high crash rates but has seen a reduction in incidents since its implementation. She recommends that policymakers focus on structural changes to improve road safety, rather than relying solely on behavioral change initiatives.
However, Dr. Paul Mukwaya, a Lecturer at Makerere University, argues that promoting behavioral change remains essential, as reckless driving continues to cause fatalities. Dr. John Bosco Isunju, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health at Makerere University, stresses the importance of law enforcement in enhancing road safety.
He suggests that Uganda could benefit from the practices of neighboring Rwanda, where measures such as zebra crossings are more effectively implemented, contrasting with the current situation in Uganda.
