The NRM Deputy Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Namayanja Rose Nsereko has launched a road safety awareness campaign to promote responsible road use and reduce accidents along the Kampala–Gulu Highway.
The campaign, unveiled at Wobulenzi Taxi Park, has drawn support from Traffic Police, the Uganda Taxi Operators Federation (UTOF) and district leaders, who pledged to promote behavioural change among motorists.
Namayanja said the campaign was prompted by the alarming loss of lives on Ugandan roads, noting that more than 24,000 people died in crashes over the past five years alone.
"That's a population of a whole sub-county. We believe it is possible to reduce these road accidents," she said, stressing that road safety must begin with individual responsibility rather than waiting for police enforcement.
Drawing from her experience as a road accident survivor who underwent five major surgeries, Namayanja said the ordeal strengthened her commitment to saving lives. She said surviving enabled her to keep serving communities through the Rose Namayanja Foundation, which provides bursaries to more than 300 children.
"Before you increase your speed, before you forget your helmet, or before you drink and drive, remember that it starts with you. It starts with me," she said.
Namayanja urged traffic officers to enforce regulations professionally and without intimidation, stressing that compliance should not depend on the presence of law enforcement.
Traffic Police spokesperson Michael Kananura welcomed the initiative, noting that about 95 per cent of road crashes stem from human error and behavioural factors.
"Road safety is a collective responsibility. We welcome the Rose Namayanja Foundation for joining us in this effort to promote behavioural change," he said.
Kananura cautioned motorists against speeding, dangerous overtaking and fatigued driving, describing fatigue as "a silent killer" that police cannot test for. He also warned about unfamiliar routes and long journeys without rest as the festive season approaches.
Luwero Resident District Commissioner Mariam Nalubega Seguya attributed many accidents to reckless overtaking, speeding, drunk driving and poorly maintained vehicles, urging caution during the festive season.
UTOF Chairman Rashid Sekindi commended the Traffic Police for working closely with taxi operators to promote discipline, noting the federation maintains a driver database and uses route identification numbers and colours to monitor compliance. He pledged to extend the campaign to the eastern route and thanked Namayanja for the timely initiative.
The campaign will extend beyond the festive season through sustained engagement with drivers, road safety clubs in schools and collaboration with district leaders along the highway.