The North Kyoga Traffic Police have called for vigilance and discipline among road users to reduce accidents during the holiday season. Speaking at a press briefing at Lira Central Police Station on December 23, 2024, SP Chelangat Irene, the Regional Traffic Officer, outlined key safety concerns and practical measures to ensure road safety.
“We are witnessing increased traffic as people travel from urban centers to rural areas, compounded by ongoing road construction,” SP Chelangat stated. Key routes, including Lira-Dokolo, Dokolo-Apac, and Oyam-Kampala roads, remain under construction and lack adequate signage, posing risks to motorists.
Highlighting speeding as the leading cause of accidents, SP Chelangat urged drivers to regulate their speed, especially on incomplete roads. She warned against fatigue among bus drivers who make multiple trips daily, emphasizing the importance of handing over vehicles if too tired to drive.
Drivers were also advised to maintain their vehicles, ensuring functional headlamps and mirrors, as faulty vehicles often cause fatal collisions. Additionally, SP Chelangat warned against drunk driving and reckless “fun driving,” which impair focus and increase risks.
Parents were cautioned not to allow unlicensed holidaymakers to drive, citing their lack of knowledge about traffic regulations and road signs. Passengers were encouraged to report reckless driving and unsafe practices to authorities.
Since October, police operations targeting unlicensed drivers, riders without helmets or reflectors, and uninsured vehicles have intensified. These include issuing tickets, court summons, and community sensitization campaigns.
Between September and November, the region recorded consistent fatalities: 15 in September, 18 in October, and 17 in November. Lira City had the highest incidents, with pedestrians, motorcyclists, and passengers most affected.
SP Chelangat emphasized that road safety is a shared responsibility. “Our enforcement and community efforts are making a difference, and we hope for a festive season free from major accidents,” she concluded.
ENDS
