Uganda: Authorities step up efforts to curb road carnage as residents turn to prayers

Ugandan road safety authorities have stepped up their campaign to limit road carnage, on a 130km stretch of the main highway linking the capital Kampala to neighbouring Rwanda, Tanzania and the DRC.

The section located in Mpigi District southern Uganda, is considered one of the deadliest in the country.

More than 200 people have died there this year, and careless driving has been the major cause.

“The main cause of the accidents is reckless drivers and reckless driving and people who have no sense of responsibility. The government must put in place a system to educate drivers and make prevention,” said Joseph Kawuma, President of the taxi and minibus association in Uganda.

Since August 1st, checks are carried out regularly on driving licenses, speed control, and incidences of bribery and corruption.

However, the constant fear of losing life at any time on this road has led some to turn to prayers for divine intervention.

Pastor Medad Birungi is the head of a group of Christians who regularly walk along the road to pray for it, and to them, the accidents are caused by supernatural factors.

He says: “We think there was a lot of magic and sacrifice. An alliance with demonic powers has been established for each month people die and the blood flows.”

And with the rainy season fast approaching, the government is racing to have tighter safety measures in place.