Following a surge in road accidents—including the tragic weekend crash that claimed the life of businessman and rally driver Rajiv Ruparelia—Minister of Works and Transport Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala has come forward to defend the condition of Uganda’s road infrastructure.

In a statement issued on Monday, May 5, the minister revealed that Uganda has already recorded 25,107 road accidents in 2024 alone, with a staggering 5,154 resulting in fatalities.

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This announcement comes in the wake of Rajiv’s fatal accident along the Entebbe Road corridor. His high-speed Nissan GT-R reportedly crashed into a poorly marked road barrier at the Busabala flyover traffic lights in Makindye-Ssabagabo, Wakiso District. The car overturned and caught fire, killing him instantly. Eyewitness accounts and police reports suggest that the barrier was not properly marked or signposted, leading to widespread anger and criticism directed at road construction contractors and government oversight.

Responding to growing public concerns, Gen. Katumba stated, “The overall condition of our road infrastructure is fairly motorable. Many roads are currently under construction.” He stressed that maintaining road safety is a collective effort involving all stakeholders.

While acknowledging the significant government investment in road development and safety initiatives, the minister admitted that crash numbers continue to rise. He explained that road accidents are typically caused by a combination of factors, including driver behavior, vehicle condition, road quality, and environmental context. According to him, speed alone contributes to approximately 45% of accidents, citing data from the Uganda Police.

Gen. Katumba reassured the public that the ministry is focused on ensuring safety around active construction sites, stating that all works are guided by established safety standards. However, he also highlighted a recurring problem—vandalism of road signage and safety installations—which, he argued, compromises public safety.

Despite these claims, critics remain unconvinced. They argue that the negligence of contractors and the government’s failure to supervise ongoing construction projects are major contributors to the mounting death toll. Many work zones, especially in and around urban centers, are left with unmarked or poorly illuminated barriers, turning stretches of roadway into hazard zones for motorists.

The minister urged citizens to take an active role in safeguarding road infrastructure and reporting potential dangers. “Let us work together to preserve public assets and alert authorities to safety threats. Every Ugandan has a role to play in preventing unnecessary deaths,” he said.

As the country prepares for Rajiv Ruparelia’s cremation tomorrow, there is increasing pressure on the Ministry of Works and Transport—now overseeing responsibilities formerly handled by the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA)—to tighten enforcement on contractor accountability and urgently address glaring safety lapses at road construction sites. The mounting outcry is not just about one high-profile life lost but echoes the frustrations of thousands of other victims and their families who demand immediate action to prevent further tragedies.

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