Operation Towa Ujinga: A Call to Curb Reckless Driving in Uganda

Recent months have seen a disturbing increase in road accidents across Uganda, leading to numerous fatalities and injuries. This trend is largely blamed on reckless behavior by drivers and riders, who appear to be taking advantage of newly constructed, high-quality roads by speeding and disregarding traffic laws.

Instead of enjoying the benefits of improved infrastructure, Ugandans are now mourning avoidable losses. In response to this crisis, there’s a strong call for the Uganda Police Force Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety to launch an aggressive campaign dubbed ‘Operation Towa Ujinga’ – an operation focused on eradicating dangerous driving habits.

Aggressive driving encompasses various forms of risky behavior, including excessive speeding, tailgating, improper lane changes, and a general disregard for traffic regulations. The definition, as established by a global conference, points to deliberate actions that increase collision risk, often fueled by impatience, annoyance, hostility, or a desire to save time.

A comparison with neighboring Rwanda highlights the extent of the problem. Drivers who exhibit caution entering Rwanda often revert to dangerous speeds and behaviors once back on Ugandan roads, a stark contrast attributed to the stricter penalties and enforcement observed in Rwanda. This suggests a relaxation of vigilance on Ugandan roads has fostered a sense of impunity among some road users.

While traffic police are commended for their efforts in urban centers, their effectiveness in managing highway drivers has been described as dismal. Despite pronouncements, dangerous practices like driving on the wrong side of the road, using pedestrian walkways, and ignoring traffic lights persist.

Official reports, like the Uganda Police Force Annual Crime and Traffic Report 2025, indicate that traffic crashes claim an average of 15 lives daily, with serious and fatal incidents showing an increase. The author dismisses illogical arguments about road conditions, emphasizing that the current infrastructure is safe if road discipline is maintained.

To address this, the author urges immediate action: enforcing speed governors on all long-route public transport and integrating traffic offense detection into the planned highway camera system. These cameras should transmit real-time data for prompt apprehension of dangerous drivers, mirroring practices in developed nations.

This article was originally published by the Daily Monitor.