Eight Dead in Bushenyi Crash as Drivers Push for Automated Traffic Enforcement Return

Eight people lost their lives in a horrific road crash early Saturday along the Mbarara-Bushenyi-Ishaka highway, roughly one kilometer from Kabwohe. The incident has reignited urgent calls from drivers and authorities for automated traffic enforcement to curb the mounting death toll on Ugandan roads.

Local residents have long flagged this road section as hazardous due to its narrow width, potholes, and drivers’ tendency to speed. Temporary fixes like filling potholes with soil have failed to resolve the core problems, leaving commuters at constant risk.

Police statistics show a troubling uptick: 26,044 crashes in 2025 compared to 25,107 the previous year, including 4,602 fatal ones and over 5,300 deaths. Over 40% stem from reckless behaviors such as speeding, unsafe overtaking, and tailgating.

The Uganda Professional Drivers Network (UPDN) blames inconsistent policing for persistent dangerous driving. ‘Drivers slow down when they fear detection, but risky habits return without steady enforcement,’ noted UPDN member Richard Ogwal.

Ministry of Works and Transport officials point to limited resources, with fewer than 2,000 traffic officers nationwide who can’t cover all needs due to human limitations like breaks and leave. Senior Licensing Officer Robert Kisakye advocates reviving the Express Penalty System (EPS), which uses cameras for real-time violation detection and automated fines.

‘EPS provides undeniable video evidence, making violations hard to contest,’ Kisakye explained. Drivers’ groups criticize roadside bribery, dubbed ‘Gambanogu,’ as a major compliance barrier, with plans to limit EPS to high-risk areas like schools and markets.

Residents like James Asinguza express frustration over the road’s accident-prone nature and inadequate responses. Stakeholders warn that without tech-driven enforcement, such tragedies will continue.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)