Residents and motorists using the Busaabala-Munyonyo junction have expressed mixed feelings following the sudden installation of road signage at the busy intersection, days after the tragic death of city tycoon Sudhir Ruparelia’s son, Rajiv Ruparelia.
The signs, which include speed limit warnings and directional indicators, were erected over the weekend, sparking a wave of debate among road users. Some welcomed the move as long overdue, citing the poor visibility and confusing layout of the junction, while others questioned why action was only taken after a high-profile fatality.
“It’s unfortunate that it had to take the loss of a prominent figure’s child for the authorities to wake up,” said a boda boda rider. “We’ve lost many people here before, but nobody put up signs.”
Others, however, commended the quick response, urging the government to roll out similar safety measures across other dangerous blackspots in Kampala and beyond.
The Busaabala-Munyonyo intersection has long been known for chaotic traffic flow, lack of signage, and poor lighting, making it a high-risk zone for accidents, especially at night.
The tragic passing of Rajiv, a prominent businessman and rally enthusiast, has reignited public discussion on the need for consistent road safety measures, enforcement, and timely intervention regardless of social status.
Road safety in Uganda remains a persistent issue. According to the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report, over 4,000 people die in road accidents annually, many of them at blackspots which lack basic infrastructure such as lighting, signage, pedestrian crossings, or speed regulation.
The Uganda Police Force’s Annual Crime Report for 2024 reveals a concerning rise in road traffic incidents: Total Crashes: 25,107, up from 23,608 in 2023—a 6.4% increase. Fatalities: 5,144 deaths, marking a 7% rise from the previous year. Injuries: 17,013 serious injuries and 3,651 minor injuries, totaling 25,808 casualties, a 4.4% increase.
