The indiscipline exhibited by motorists and cyclists on Ugandan roads is appalling. The epitome of this unruliness is the ubiquitous motorcycle taxis, popularly referred to as boda bodas. Many boda boda operators are a law unto themselves, behaving in a reckless manner that is not only a danger to other road users but also to themselves.
It is a common sight to see them dangerously weaving in and out of traffic. They routinely run red lights without a care in the world.
To them, traffic lights seem to be an unnecessary bother, a hindrance to be wantonly disregarded.
They ride on pedestrian walkways to escape traffic jams and in the wrong lanes. Using boda bodas, with their inherent recklessness, is like playing Russian roulette.
To make matters worse, most boda boda operators and their passengers do not wear helmets, rendering any accidents that occur potentially life-threatening.
The matter is further compounded by the fact that traffic police officers seem to have given up on reining in these hellraisers.
They routinely behave outrageously in full view of the police and get off scot-free.
Indiscipline is also exhibited by drivers of motor vehicles who do not stay in their lanes in an attempt to escape traffic jams, and in the process they exacerbate the congestion on roads.
Some even have the audacity to drive on pedestrian walkways, endangering the lives of those travelling on foot.
Overloading of vehicles and speeding are also rampant on our roads, causing needless deaths. Furthermore, many motor vehicles and motorcycles on our roads are in dangerous mechanical conditions.
Some drivers are not knowledgeable about traffic rules, while others do not have licences. Even those who are well versed with traffic rules disobey them, only following them when police officers are present and in places where CCTV cameras have been installed.
Top among the violators of traffic rules are drivers of government vehicles, who run roughshod over other road users.
They drive at breakneck speed, create illegal lanes on roads, mount pavements, and commit other illegalities with utter impunity. The police seem powerless to stop this unbecoming behaviour.
To return sanity to our roads, we call upon the government to empower the police to enforce traffic rules. There should be no untouchables. Everyone who breaks traffic laws, irrespective of their economic, political, or social standing, should face the full force of the law.
We implore the public to follow traffic rules because they are meant to safeguard lives. Put on seat belts at all times when travelling by car and wear helmets when riding motorcycles.
The authorities must ensure that all vehicles on the roads are in good mechanical condition. We also urge police officers to desist from taking bribes from errant drivers and cyclists and letting them escape justice.