Challenges of implementing road safety initiatives in Uganda a case study of the Road Safety Act 1998

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the challenges of implementing the road safety initiatives in Uganda focusing on the Road Safety Act 1998. The objectives of the study were to establish the challenges faced by the traffic and Road Safety Act 1998 in ensuring the safety of different road users that is; Motorists, Cyclists and Pedestrians. The specific objective of the study were;- to establish the challenges faced by motorists / drivers, cyclists and pedestrians in Implementing the Uganda Traffic and Road Safety Act 1998 as well as soliciting for suggestions on how challenges could be reduced. The study employed an exploratory survey design and used structured and unstructured questionnaires to collect data. Direct or face to face interviews were also conducted so as to obtain responses from the key informants. The data collected was both quantitative and qualitative in nature. The study area was Kampala central division where 141 respondents participated including; drivers/motorists, Cyclists and pedestrians who were interviewed and selected from a population of 55,000 individuals. Data was analyzed using percentages that is, Chi-square and T-test statistic tests. The study discovered that motorists are challenged by poor roads and Corruption, undisciplined drivers/ reckless driving was the challenge faced by Cyclists and on the side of pedestrians, over speeding was noted by the majority of pedestrians. It was recommended that the Government should improve on infrastructure by widening roads or constructing more, investigate the conduct of traffic officials on the road, punish law breakers severely and also putting up training Institutions with programs mostly for Cyclists and improve on the awareness of the Traffic and Road Safety Act 1998 amongst the road users.