Supporting a safer future through the National Crash Database project
By Sanjay Vadgama
Coming back to Uganda after more than 50 years, is something I feel deeply privileged to experience. It is remarkable to witness how much the country has changed over the decades… its growth, energy, resilience, and ambition are evident everywhere. At the same time, it is equally clear that important challenges remain, especially in sectors that directly affect people’s daily lives and safety.
That is why I feel honoured to support this very important initiative: the development and operationalisation of Uganda’s National Crash Database. This project which is being delivered by TRL in joint venture with TIMCON Associates Inc and in association with URRENO is not only timely, but essential. I am especially pleased to be part of an effort that is being driven and supported by highly talented local professionals whose knowledge, commitment, and understanding of the Ugandan context are vital to its success.
Why this project matters
Uganda, like many countries in East Africa, relies heavily on road transport for economic activity and the movement of people. As the country grows and urban areas expand, so too does the demand placed on its transport system. According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, the population was projected to reach 45.9 million in 2024, with an annual growth rate of 2.9 percent. With this growth comes increased vehicles, more traffic, and greater exposure to road safety risks.
Road crashes are now a major public safety concern. Injuries resulting from road crashes are among the top seven leading causes of death across all age groups in Uganda. Even more concerning, between 35 and 50 percent of deaths in health facilities are linked to injuries caused by road crashes. In 2023 alone, the Uganda Police Force reported 4,179 road crash fatalities, which is an average of 11 lives lost every single day.
These are not just statistics, behind every number is a person, a family and a community living with the consequences of a preventable tragedy.
Why the need for better data is important
One of the biggest challenges in Uganda’s road safety sector is the gap between reported crash figures and the likely true scale of the problem.
For example, while official Ugandan sources reported 3,880 road crash deaths in 2019, the World Health Organisation estimated that the actual number was closer to 13,012. This significant difference suggests that many crashes and fatalities are going unreported, and it underlines the urgent need for a stronger, more reliable crash data system.
Without accurate data, it becomes difficult to identify trends, target interventions where it is most needed, improve enforcement, or make the right investments in safer roads. Good data is the foundation of good policy.
Uganda has already taken important steps in this area through previous pilot crash database systems. These efforts show the Government’s recognition of the problem and its commitment to finding practical, long-term solutions. Building on earlier lessons, the current assignment aims to establish a sustainable, scalable, and nationally integrated system that can truly support road safety management across the country.
A project with national importance
This assignment, Consultancy Services for the Development and Operationalisation of the National Crash Database is funded by the World Bank Group, with the Ministry of Works and Transport serving as the Client.
The goal is ambitious but clear: to design or recommend an off- the-shelf system, customise, deploy and pilot a National Crash Database in selected districts, creating a system that improves how road crash data is collected, managed, shared, and analysed.
The consulting team is expected to:
- assess existing and previously piloted crash database systems
- define the specifications for the new National Crash Database
- support the procurement of the required hardware and software
- deploy and pilot the system in selected districts
- troubleshoot, customise, and evaluate the system during implementation
- prepare manuals and Standard Operating Procedures for rollout
- develop recommendations for nationwide scale-up
- identify and support training needs in key technical areas such as crash investigation, crash analysis, black spot identification, and monitoring and evaluation
The pilot rollout will focus on Uganda’s capital city of Kampala as well as two more remote selected districts. These locations have been strategically chosen and will provide valuable lessons for future implementation across the country.
Building on the past efforts and looking ahead to the future
This proposed National Crash Database is not starting from scratch. It builds on previous initiatives and aims to bring together the work of many stakeholders involved in road safety. This is especially important in a field where police, health services, transport authorities, and road agencies all have a role to play.
The long-term vision is to deploy a system that delivers reliable, accessible crash data to support evidence-based decision-making. With better information, Uganda will be in a stronger position to identify dangerous trends, address black spots, strengthen interventions, and ultimately save lives.
A privilege to contribute
On a personal level, this project carries a special meaning. Returning to Uganda after so many years and being able to contribute to such an important national effort is a privilege.
It is also deeply inspiring to work alongside dedicated and talented Ugandan professionals who are passionate and committed to improving road safety and building systems that will benefit the country for years to come.
At its heart, this project is about more than technology or databases. It is about people. It is about giving decision-makers better tools, improving coordination between services and helping create a safer future for communities across Uganda.
And that is a goal well worth supporting.
