After Kapchorwa, activists call for smart enforcement

What the report says

The Observer reports that a fatal school bus crash in Kapchorwa has intensified calls for Uganda to speed up technology-based traffic enforcement. The crash involved an Isuzu bus from King David Junior School in Ndejje that was returning from an educational trip to Sipi Falls. According to the report, the bus lost control, hit a roadside boulder and overturned, killing 20 pupils and one adult and injuring many others.

The incident was followed within hours by another school bus crash on the Jinja-Kamuli highway, where a bus carrying Nalango Secondary School students collided with a sugarcane truck, injuring several learners. Commercial drivers cited by The Observer said automated enforcement, including the Express Penalty System, could deter speeding and other violations because cameras and number-plate recognition tools would make it harder for offenders to evade penalties.

Road safety specialist Albinius Twesigomwe told the paper that automated penalties should be paired with stronger vehicle inspection, especially for buses and taxis. He proposed frequent roadworthiness checks for passenger vehicles, with costs reduced or subsidised to encourage compliance. The Observer also cited police figures showing Uganda recorded 26,044 road crashes in the latest annual crime report referenced, with fatal crashes rising to 4,602 and speeding and careless overtaking identified as major causes.

The debate comes as proposed reforms to traffic enforcement await Cabinet consideration, including a flat Shs 160,000 speeding fine, a longer payment window and an appeals process. The Education ministry has suspended school trips pending investigations into the Kapchorwa crash, while relevant ministries review further school transport safety measures.