The Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety has issued a weather alert urging motorists to exercise extreme caution on the road. This comes at a time the country is experiencing a rainy season.
The Uganda Police Spokesperson, Micheal Kananura, while addressing journalists on December 2, 2024, at the police headquarters in Naguru, said that the rainy season brings hazardous traffic conditions, including heavy rainfall, floods, and reduced visibility, which significantly increases accident risks.
Kananura emphasized that to ensure safety on the roads, vehicles should slow down and ensure visibility while driving when it is raining. He also cautioned motorists against driving through flooded areas and overtaking in poor visibility spots on the road.
Motorists have also been advised to pull over and rest until conditions improve where visibility is extremely poor.
“For increased visibility, use headlights and ensure that head wipers are in good condition to ensure good visibility. Avoid overtaking in the rain to reduce crashes,” Kananura cautioned.
Read Also: Entebbe Expressway Management Issues Precautions to Motorists amid Rainy Season
By following these simple yet crucial tips, it can significantly reduce the number of crashes and ensure safety on the road.
During the rainy season in Uganda, past reports indicate a significant increase in accidents and fatalities due to adverse weather conditions during the rainy season. Heavy rains in November 2024 led to landslides in Bulambuli district, resulting in at least 20 deaths and displacing hundreds of people, while some bridges were washed away and roads became impassable.
Traffic reports show that at least 12 people die daily in accidents during this rainy period, and as a result, authorities emphasize the need for motorists to exercise caution, maintain their vehicles, and avoid flooded areas.
