Road crashes and fatalities have been globally recognised as a social and economic burden, particularly in developing countries such as Uganda.
According to the WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety 2018, road crashes claim 1.35 million people every year. The report places Road Traffic Injuries as the 8th leading cause of death for all ages and the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5-29 years. In Uganda, the case is worsening with the numbers going up every year. 21,473 crash victims were registered in 2022 indicating an increase of 19%compared from 2021. On average 12 people die on the roads daily, which is the highest level in East Africa. The overall annual cost of road crashes is currently estimated at approximately UGX 4.4 trillion ($1.2 billion), representing 5% of Uganda’s gross domestic product (GDP). Road safety is everyone’s responsibility and the situation calls for proactive measures to curb down the continued crashes. Therefore, as one of the measures to help create awareness, advocate and promote cohesion in the fight against this deadly predator, LRSI has taken the lead to organize a yearly run (marathon). The maiden run was launched in June 2022, dubbed Safe School Zone Marathon 2022.
The run adopts a yearly theme that is based on the different road risk factors such as wearing of helmets, seat belts, over speeding, drink driving, and vehicle conditions as well as issues around school children’s safety, and gender mainstreaming in road safety among others.
Purpose of the Marathon
To create awareness, advocate and promote cohesion in the fight against road crashes in the country.
Globally 1.35 million people die every year
Traffic injuries is 8th leading cause of death for all ages
The leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5-29 years
Averagely 17,000 crashes happen per year in Uganda
Annual cost of road crashes in Uganda is approximately UGX4.4 trillion ($1.2 billion)
An average of 12 people die on Ugandan roads daily
