By Rogers Sanyu | Thursday 18, 2026
Hoima
Journalists and government authorities have been urged to adopt proven road safety measures from other countries to help reduce the rising number of road crashes in Uganda.
The call was made during the final day of a three-day road safety training workshop for journalists from the Bunyoro sub-region on 18th Thursday June, 2026 at Hoima Resort Hotel.
According to the Uganda Police Force Annual Crime Reports, fatal road crashes have steadily increased over the past five years, rising from 4,035 cases in 2021 to 5,833 cases in 2025.
Speaking during the training, Businge Otto from the Makerere University School of Public Health’s Centre for the Prevention of Injury, Trauma and Disabilities said countries that have successfully reduced road crashes offer valuable lessons that Uganda can adopt.
He called upon government agencies, organizations and communities to work together in strengthening road safety measures and enforcing traffic laws.
Otto also cautioned Boda Boda riders against speeding and normalizing road crashes. He warned that major infrastructure developments such as Kabalega International Airport and Hoima City Stadium could increase road traffic risks if road users fail to exercise caution.
Dr. Frederick Oporia, Executive Director of the Centre for the Prevention of Injury, Trauma and Disabilities at Makerere University School of Public Health, said the institution remains committed to preventing injuries caused by road crashes, drowning and other incidents.
Dr. Oporia explained that journalists were specifically targeted for the training because of their ability to influence public behaviour and shape public opinion. He urged media practitioners to use their platforms to promote road safety awareness and inspire positive behavioral change across the country.
Meanwhile, One of the participants Byamukama Patrick, a journalist from the Albertine region, commended the initiative by the Makerere University School of Public Health Centre for the Prevention of Injury, Trauma and Disabilities, saying the training had equipped journalists with valuable skills on effective road safety reporting.
Patrick pledged to share the knowledge gained from the workshop through his reporting so that it reaches the targeted audiences and contributes to improving road safety among all road users in Uganda.
The journalists were awarded certificates by the Makerere University School of Public Health, Centre for the Prevention of Injury, Trauma and Disabilities in recognition of their participation in the road safety training and their commitment to excellence in reporting on road safety issues.
