By Aulah Najjuuka
Drunk driving remains a pressing issue in Uganda, contributing to a significant number of road accidents and fatalities. According to the Uganda Police Force (UPF), the number of reported fatalities in the country increased by 6% from 4534 in 2022 to 4806 in 2023, over 3,500 road traffic accidents in the past year were linked to alcohol consumption, resulting in more than 800 deaths.
“Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of road fatalities, particularly during the festive season,” says Ms. Faridah Nampiima, spokesperson for the Traffic Police. “Between December 23, 2022 and January 9, 2023, at least more than 300 road crashes took place across Uganda, killing more than 194 people and injuring another more than 1,000 people in the process, according to the official police records. These figures did not include the unreported, which could be much higher than what police has stated.”
The situation in Mukuno
In Mukono, the situation is no different, with the police frequently grappling with the aftermath of impaired driving on the district’s roads.
Officer in Charge (OC) Tar Dickens of Uganda Police, stationed at Uganda Christian University (UCU), Mukono, emphasises the gravity of the problem. “Drunk driving is a leading cause of road accidents in our area,” he explains. “Many drivers underestimate the impact alcohol has on their judgement and reaction time. Just last month, we responded to a tragic accident where three lives were lost because the driver was under the influence.”
The law is clear: operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above 0.08% is illegal in Uganda. However, enforcement remains a challenge. “Despite regular roadblocks and awareness campaigns, we still encounter motorists who choose to drink and drive,” OC Dickens adds. “We’ve intensified patrols, but behavioural change is crucial for lasting impact.”
The health consequences of drunk driving extend beyond accidents. Dr Moses Kyambadde, a physician at Mukono General Hospital, highlights the physical and psychological toll. “Injuries from drunk driving incidents often lead to permanent disabilities, including head trauma and spinal cord injuries,” he says. “These accidents not only strain our healthcare system but also devastate families. Prevention is better than cure, and avoiding alcohol before driving is a simple yet life-saving measure.”
For Grace Namatovu, a nurse at Marie-stopes Bweyogerere, Christmas of the year 2023 was unforgettable for all the wrong reasons. “My brother left home happy and full of life, heading to a party with his friends. Hours later, we got a call telling us he had crashed his car into a tree. He didn’t make it,” she says, tears welling up in her eyes. Like many others, her brother thought he was fit to drive despite consuming alcohol. His tragic story is a painful reminder of the risks people take when they decide to operate machinery while under the influence of alcohol.
Social implications
As Dr Kyambadde noted, the social implications are equally harrowing. Many families lose their primary breadwinners in accidents caused by drunk driving. Survivors often face long-term rehabilitation and financial struggles. “It’s not just the victims who suffer but entire families,” notes OC Dickens.
In an effort to curb this menace, Uganda Police has partnered with local institutions like UCU to run awareness programmes. Students and community members are educated on the dangers of drunk driving through simulations. “We believe that targeting the youth, who are often at higher risk of engaging in reckless behaviour, can make a significant difference,” says OC Dickens.
Experts urge drivers to adopt simple precautions: designate a sober driver, use ride-hailing services, or simply avoid driving altogether if alcohol is consumed. “Your life and the lives of others are far more important than a single night of convenience,” Dr Kyambadde advises.
As Uganda grapples with the rising toll of road accidents, the message is clear, drunk driving is not just a legal violation but a preventable tragedy.
Experts and authorities offer simple yet effective advice for staying safe.
- Plan ahead: If you’re drinking, arrange for a sober driver or use ride-hailing services like SafeBoda, Faras or Uber.
- Stay overnight: If a party is far from home, consider staying over to avoid the risk of driving late at night.
- Drink responsibly: Knowing your limits can make all the difference.
- Support others: Intervene if you see someone attempting to drive while intoxicated.
The penalty for driving under the influence of alcohol
In Uganda, driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense with stringent penalties. the legally prescribed blood alcohol-concentration (BAC) limit is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliters of blood ( 0.08%). If convicted of driving under the influence, an individual faces a fine of up to 6 million Ugandan shillings or imprisonment for up to three years.
Additionally, law enforcement agencies have implemented measures such as Operation Fika Salaama Extra to enhance road safety. Under this initiative, offenders may be issued an express penalty of 200,000 Uganda shillings at the discretion of the commanding officer.
