Tragedy Strikes As 33 Lives Lost In Christmas Accidents

Kampala, December 27, 2023 – The festive season took a devastating turn as 33 individuals lost their lives in various road accidents between December 25, 2023, and December 26, 2023, according to the latest report from the Police Traffic Division.

Michael Kananura, the Directorate Spokesperson, addressed the media in Kampala on Wednesday, revealing that despite a decrease in reported cases compared to previous years, the death toll remained tragically high. In addition to the 33 fatalities, 156 people sustained serious injuries during the two-day period.

“Among the fatalities registered, pedestrians and riders constituted 85%, with the majority occurring in upcountry areas. However, highways were relatively peaceful,” stated Kananura.

One particularly devastating incident occurred between Mbale and Kapchorwa on Tuesday afternoon, claiming the lives of five individuals. The fatal crash took place at Towei Corner Kapsindi along Kapchorwa – Mbale Road at 4:00 pm and involved a motor vehicle with registration number UBD 074J Prado Land Cruiser.

The victims included four children and their mother, with four others, including the driver, sustaining injuries. The occupants were all in the same vehicle, which further intensified the impact of the tragedy.

Kananura emphasized that while the total number of accidents decreased, the loss of lives highlighted the need for continued efforts to enhance road safety measures, especially during festive seasons when travel is more prevalent.

Authorities are conducting investigations into the various incidents, and measures are being discussed to prevent such tragedies in the future. As the nation mourns the lives lost, the focus turns to improving road safety awareness and enforcement to safeguard the well-being of all road users.