GEOFFREY BWAYO: Did Uganda fail to keep Brasilia Declaration pledge? Road traffic deaths continue to increase every year
Eight years ago, during the second global high level conference on road safety in Brasilia – Brazil, Uganda made a commitment to reduce road death rate by 50% by 2020. Through Brasilia Declaration, countries pledged to achieve the sustainable goal 3.6 by making roads safer through infrastructure modification ensuring availability of sidewalks, bike paths, and strict enforcement of traffic laws. Despite these commitments, road traffic deaths in Uganda have been steadily increasing every year, raising questions on whether the pledge made at the conference has been kept.
The issue of road safety in Uganda is a critical one that affects thousands of people every year. According to statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), road traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for young people aged 15-29 in Uganda. The lack of proper infrastructure, reckless driving, and limited enforcement of traffic laws contribute to the high number of road traffic deaths in the country.
Geoffrey Bwayo, a road safety advocate in Uganda, has been vocal about the need for the government to take decisive action to reduce road traffic deaths. He believes that the authorities have failed to prioritize road safety and implement the necessary measures to fulfill the commitments made at the Brasilia Declaration. Bwayo points out that despite the increased awareness about road safety, the number of fatalities continues to rise, indicating a lack of progress in achieving the set goals.
Uganda’s failure to keep the pledge made at the Brasilia conference has far-reaching consequences for its citizens. The increasing number of road traffic deaths not only results in loss of lives but also has significant economic impacts. The cost of road traffic accidents in terms of medical expenses, property damage, and lost productivity is staggering, affecting individuals, families, and the overall economy of the country.
How will this affect me:
As a resident of Uganda, the failure to reduce road traffic deaths puts me at risk every time I use the roads. The lack of proper infrastructure and enforcement of traffic laws means that I am more likely to be involved in a road traffic accident. The increasing number of fatalities also creates a sense of fear and uncertainty while traveling, impacting my daily life and well-being.
How will this affect the world:
The failure of Uganda to keep the pledge made at the Brasilia Declaration is not just a local issue but has broader implications for global road safety. As one of the signatories of the declaration, Uganda’s inability to reduce road traffic deaths undermines the overall efforts to achieve sustainable development goal 3.6. It highlights the challenges faced by many developing countries in improving road safety and calls for greater international cooperation and support to address this critical issue.
Conclusion:
The increasing road traffic deaths in Uganda raise serious concerns about the government’s commitment to fulfilling the pledge made at the Brasilia Declaration. The failure to reduce fatalities not only jeopardizes the lives of its citizens but also hinders progress towards achieving sustainable development goals. It is essential for the authorities to take immediate action to prioritize road safety and implement effective measures to prevent further loss of lives on the country’s roads.
