While road fatalities have decreased globally over the past decade, Africa has experienced a troubling 17% increase in traffic-related deaths, according to a recent World Health Organization (WHO) report. The combination of deteriorating road conditions, substandard vehicles, and unsafe driving behavior has created a serious road safety crisis across the continent.
A Personal Tragedy Reflecting a Wider Crisis
In Kampala, Uganda’s bustling capital, Salome Namubiru has spent weeks at her husband’s bedside, praying for his recovery after a hit-and-run accident on Christmas Day. Her husband, David Kakonge, was struck by a vehicle while returning from shopping. The father of five remains in critical condition with severe head injuries and a fractured leg. Sadly, cases like Kakonge’s have become increasingly common throughout Africa.
Rising Vehicle Ownership, But Inadequate Infrastructure
Experts attribute part of the rise in accidents to the growing number of vehicles on Africa’s roads. As economic growth has made car ownership more accessible, infrastructure has not kept pace. “Africa has seen a sharp increase in motorization, but the infrastructure to support it is lacking,” says Nhan Tran, head of the WHO’s safety and mobility unit.
Nigeria leads the continent in road fatalities, with 52.4 deaths per 100,000 people. Much of this is due to poor road conditions and an influx of unsafe vehicles. Many African nations continue to import cars that fail to meet even basic safety standards, such as proper crash protection, seatbelt laws, pedestrian safety measures, and braking systems.
A Silent Public Health Crisis
While many African countries focus their limited healthcare resources on infectious diseases, traffic accidents are becoming an overlooked epidemic. For instance, Uganda reports one of the highest road fatality rates with 29 deaths per 100,000 people. In Mulago Hospital, the country’s largest, traffic accident victims occupy 85% of orthopedic beds. Shockingly, these cases consume 62% of the hospital’s budget, costing the government approximately $62,000 daily.
Ugandan police statistics from 2022 recorded 20,394 traffic accidents, resulting in 3,901 deaths — a 17% increase from the previous year. The first half of 2023 saw another 13% rise, underscoring the worsening situation.
Dangerous Roads, Overcrowded Streets
Uganda’s roads are riddled with potholes and often lack basic safety features. Local NGO leader Peter Tibigambwa even calls them “death traps.” The poor condition of these roads has been a controversial issue, especially after the World Bank suspended funding for road projects due to Uganda’s controversial anti-homosexuality law.
Adding to the chaos are the ubiquitous “boda-boda” motorcycle taxis, which are notorious for weaving recklessly through heavy traffic. With an estimated 150,000 boda-bodas operating in Kampala alone, many unregistered and poorly maintained, they pose significant risks to both passengers and pedestrians.
Lack of Skilled Drivers and Enforcement
The problem extends beyond road quality. Unsafe driving behaviors, such as speeding, ignoring traffic signs, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, are widespread. Many Ugandan drivers lack proper training, as driving schools often focus solely on basic vehicle operation rather than comprehensive road safety education. “Driving in Uganda is seen as a job for the unskilled, and there’s little emphasis on proper instruction,” says Cuthbert Isingoma of the Uganda Road Accident Reduction Network Organization.
While Ugandan police have launched public awareness campaigns and installed traffic cameras, enforcement remains weak. With only 900 traffic officers for the entire country, their ability to regulate millions of drivers is severely limited.
The Path Forward: Infrastructure, Education, and Enforcement
Experts argue that addressing Africa’s road safety crisis will require a multi-faceted approach: investing in better road infrastructure, enforcing stricter vehicle safety standards, improving driver training, and strengthening law enforcement capacity. Unless significant action is taken, thousands more lives will continue to be lost each year on Africa’s dangerous roads.
