A devastating road crash in Bushenyi District on Saturday, April 25, 2026, claimed eight lives, according to local police reports. The accident involved a taxi and a truck on the Mbarara-Kampala highway, near the Kikorongo junction. Taxi operators and residents are now renewing calls for the return of the Express Penalty System (EPS) to curb rising road deaths.
The EPS, a digital traffic enforcement system, was introduced in Uganda in 2019 but faced technical and legal challenges, leading to its suspension in 2020. The system uses cameras to capture traffic violations and issue fines automatically. Proponents argue it reduces human error and corruption in traffic enforcement.
According to the Uganda Police Force, road traffic accidents have increased by 15% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, with 1,200 fatalities reported. The Bushenyi crash is one of several recent incidents highlighting the need for improved road safety measures.
Local leaders, including Bushenyi District Chairperson John Mugisha, have called on the government to reinstate the EPS. 'We cannot continue losing lives due to reckless driving and lack of enforcement,' Mugisha said in a statement. The Ministry of Works and Transport has not yet responded to the renewed calls.
