Kampala, Uganda | The Amputee Self-Help Network Uganda (ASNU) has issued an urgent appeal for stronger road safety measures and survivor support systems following the tragic Kiryandongo accident that claimed at least 40 lives. The group, which represents accident survivors living with physical disabilities, stressed the need for comprehensive policies that protect road users and provide immediate assistance in emergencies.
During a press briefing, ASNU highlighted systemic factors contributing to road accidents, including speeding, poorly maintained infrastructure, and gaps in traffic enforcement. The group called on the government to reinstate the Express Penalty System (EPS), which had previously reduced accidents, and to implement technology-driven enforcement tools to hold reckless drivers accountable.
Charlotte Kangume, ASNU co-founder and an accident survivor herself, emphasized the human toll of road crashes, noting that Uganda records an average of 14 daily fatalities equivalent to losing a fully loaded taxi each day. Survivors also pointed to the high costs of medical care, the scarcity of affordable prosthetics, and employment barriers that leave many incapacitated long after the accidents.
Joseph Asaba, another survivor, called for widespread public education on safe road use, urging drivers, passengers, and pedestrians to take responsibility for preventing accidents. ASNU’s advocacy also includes establishing emergency response stations along key road networks and increasing access to medical and rehabilitation services for victims.
With Uganda consistently ranking among the top six countries worldwide for road deaths per capita, ASNU stresses that urgent, coordinated action from government authorities, private stakeholders, and road users is critical to save lives and reduce the long-term social and economic impact of road accidents.