Despite increased road safety measures and the presence of traffic officers along Uganda’s highways, road crashes continue to kill people and damage infrastructure.
According to data presented by Acting Director of Traffic Lawrence Niwabiine last year, 13 people die in road accidents each day.
In addition, 4,806 people died in road crashes in 2023, up from 4,534 in 2022.
Road experts and police have consistently attributed the causes of road crashes to reckless driving or riding, as well as driving drunk.
Another factor contributing to traffic crashes is driving a vehicle in DMC conditions.
The Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety of Uganda Police has now released new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in an attempt to improve road safety.
SP Kananura Michael, PRO of the directorate (traffic), posted the SOPs on X on Monday. He wrote:
“When interacting with drivers, the following guidelines (Standard Operating Procedures) must be observed:
1. Drivers are required to remain seated in their vehicle during interaction with the police officer.
2. For medium & heavy omnibuses, the officer will enter the vehicle to detect any offenses & sensitize the passengers.
3. Unless escorting the offender to a police station, officers are prohibited from sitting in the offender’s vehicle.
4. All interactions between the police officer & driver must be transparent & conducted in the presence of passengers.
5. When engaging with drivers of heavy goods vehicles, officers must approach the driver’s door exclusively.
“These procedures aim to ensure safety, transparency & professionalism during traffic stops.”
SP Kananura has asked the public who witness any violation of these procedures by their officers, to report to: 0773815326 (In-Charge Alert Squad) Responsible for discipline of traffic officers.
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