Multiple Fatalities in Central Region Road Traffic Collision, Highlights Risks of Overland Travel
Category: Transportation
Severity: 2 (Low)
Source: Drum Cussac
09/18/2017 (Uganda) - Local media reports indicate that at least 13 people were killed on the evening of Sunday, 17 September, in a major road traffic collision on the Kampala-Masaka highway. The incident reportedly occurred when a goods vehicle collided with a minibus carrying a Tanzanian wedding party near the River Katonga Bridge in the Mpigi district. According to witnesses, the goods vehicle suffered a burst tyre and strayed onto the wrong side of the road into the path of the minibus. At least eight other people are reported to have been seriously injured in the collision. The incident highlights the risk of overland travel in Uganda. The country has one of the highest rates of road traffic fatalities in the world with roads being poorly maintained, marked and lit. Road travel outside Kampala is considered dangerous due to excessive speeds, unpredictable driving habits, pedestrians and livestock in the roads, and arbitrary adherence to traffic laws. The Kampala-Masaka highway alone is reported to have seen around 300 road traffic fatalities in 2016.
Those intending to conduct overland travel in Uganda are advised to exercise a high degree of caution and carefully plan any journeys outside of major population centers. Travellers should avoid self-driving in the country if unfamiliar with the local driving environment. Those conducting overland travel should use reputable transport providers with professional drivers and well-maintained vehicles.
Copyright © 2024 Drum Cussac
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