The Uganda Road Safety Conference 2025 took place on 14th & 15th May, 2025 at Speke Resort Munyonyo under the theme: “Road Safety for Socio-Economic Transformation.” The Conference was organised by the Ministry of Works & Transport, with UIA participating as a Sponsor.
In his opening address, Chief Host & Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala revealed that road accidents claim over 5,000 lives annually in Uganda, with far-reaching impacts beyond the human loss; affecting tourism, trade, conferences, overall national development, and branding Uganda as a high-risk destination. Gen. Katumba Wamala further highlighted the importance of aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goal (Target 3.6), which aims to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries by 50% by 2030. He pointed out solutions like the implementation of 30 km/h speed limits in high-density urban areas and the expansion of non-motorized transport infrastructure to protect pedestrians and cyclists.
He also noted that the conference coincides with the 8th UN Global Road Safety Week, reinforcing the international push for safer and more sustainable transport. The Honourable Minister also recognized the Uganda Insurers Association and other stakeholders for the commitment to advancing road safety and supporting initiatives aimed at reducing accidents on Uganda’s roads.
Representing the President of Uganda as Guest of Honour, The Vice President Maj (Rtd) Jessica Alupo highlighted government’s appreciation for the collaborative efforts in promoting road safety. She relayed her gratitude to the Ministry of Works and Transport, as well as the Road Safety Coalition in Uganda, for organising the Road Safety Conference, 2025.
The Vice President praised the impact of major projects such as the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway, the Gulu-Atiak-Nimule Road, the oil roads in the Albertine region, and the Jinja Nile Bridge, which greatly enhance connectivity across towns and border points. These developments support internal trade and integration under frameworks like the East African Community, COMESA, and the African Continental Free Trade Area. She, however expressed concern that the increase in road accessibility also leads to a rise in road accidents, resulting in fatalities and injuries. She attributed this to inadequate road safety awareness and the poor discipline of some drivers.
Maj (Rtd) Jessica Alupo stressed the need to prioritise awareness campaigns to promote responsible road use. Drawing parallels with previous successful public health campaigns, such as those against HIV/AIDS, malaria, ebola, and COVID-19, she opined that mass sensitisation efforts and strict enforcement of traffic rules can help reduce road carnage. She therefore reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducing road crash fatalities and serious injuries by 50% by 2030, as outlined in the National Road Safety Action Plan 2021–2026, which aims for a further 25% reduction by the financial year 2026–2027.
She concluded by stressing government’s commitment to increasing funding for road safety initiatives, including infrastructure such as pedestrian facilities, enhanced law enforcement, public education campaigns, and emergency medical services.
Speaking during the afternoon panel discussion on post-crash response, our CEO, Jonan Kisakye emphasized the importance of understanding and adhering to road safety laws, particularly the Motor Third Party Act, which plays a vital role in protecting all road users. Jonan noted that every road user should be aware of their responsibilities under this law, adding that UIA is committed to ensuring that insurance companies fulfil their obligations by compensating third parties in the event of road accidents.
Jonan shared that UIA has taken proactive steps towards advocating for amendments to the Motor Third Party Act of 1990, to better reflect the current road safety needs and ensure improved protection for the public.
In conclusion, the UIA CEO revealed that in an effort to enhance road safety for all, the Uganda Insurers Association (UIA) has partnered with the Uganda Red Cross and donated ambulances to support timely and effective emergency response.
As the Association for insurers who offer Motor Third Party Insurance & Medical Insurance, our participation in the Uganda Road Safety Conference 2025 is in line with our commitment to playing a major in improving road safety and facilitating better emergency response for road crash victims.
