This briefing provides an update on the road safety situation during the festive season, covering the period 22nd to 28th December 2025.
During this period, lives were sadly lost and others injured as a result of road traffic crashes. However, despite the increased traffic volume associated with the festive season, the number of crashes registered was comparatively lower than during the same period in 2024. Most of the crashes registered involved vulnerable road users who included motorcyclists (riders & passengers) who accounted for 44% of the total fatalities and pedestrians who also accounted for 34%. Crashes involving motor vehicles were largely attributed to careless overtaking that accounted for 28%, speeding 18% and following too closely 10%.
One of the most tragic incidents involved seven members of the same family who lost their lives in a road traffic crash that occurred in the early hours of Saturday, 27th December, at approximately 4:30 a.m., at Njagalakasayi along the Masaka–Mbarara Highway in Lwengo District.
The crash involved a Fuso Fighter truck (Reg. No. UBP 510V) and a Toyota Fielder (Reg. No. UBH 476W). The driver of the Toyota Fielder, who was travelling from the Masaka side, crossed into the lane of oncoming traffic and collided head-on with the truck.
All seven occupants of the Toyota Fielder a man, his wife, their four children and the man’s brother died at the scene.
Between 22nd and 28th December 2025, a total of 154 drivers were apprehended for various traffic offences:
38 drivers for driving without valid licences
12 drivers for driving under the influence of alcohol
42 drivers for reckless driving, mainly unsafe overtaking and speeding
42 drivers for carrying excess passengers
13 cases of dangerous loading
7 abandoned vehicles
The joint efforts of the Police and other stakeholders like Ministry of Works & Transport, Uganda Professional Drivers’ Network and others particularly in public awareness and enforcement have yielded positive results. Key interventions included:
Enforcement of “Arrive Alive” operations, including the use of route charts to prevent unauthorized return journeys among bus operators, deployment of breath analysers at checkpoints to curb drink-driving, and strict action against unroadworthy vehicles and those with illegal or modified lights.
Conducting road safety campaigns in partnership with stakeholders, including the media and the Uganda Professional Drivers’ Network (UPDN).
As we head into the New Year, we urge all road users to prioritise safety:
Observe speed limits
Avoid speeding, drink-driving, reckless overtaking and reckless riding
Maintain safe following distances
Limit night travel where possible and ensure you are well-rested to avoid fatigue-related crashes
Stay alert at all times
Please note that our interventions will continue throughout the New Year.
Together, we can make our roads safer for everyone.
We wish all Ugandans a crash-free and peaceful 2026.
Happy New Year!
STAY ALERT. STAY RESPONSIBLE. STAY ALIVE.
SP KANANURA MICHAEL
PRO-DIRECTORATE OF TRAFFIC & ROAD SAFETY
