Iganga leaders fault campaign posters blocking road signs for increased carnage.

One of the roundabouts in Iganga town covered by campaign posters and banners . Politicians have warned that such practices are increasing road accidents and endangering motorists.

Iganga, Uganda: Politicians in Iganga District have expressed growing concern over the increasing number of road accidents, blaming part of the problem on campaign posters and banners blocking vital road signs and obstructing visibility for motorists.

Independent Iganga Municipality MP contestant Mr Mukalu Muhammad Mukuza said that many of the recent crashes are preventable if both the public and political candidates act responsibly, especially during the ongoing campaign season.

“As I speak now, there are posters pinned right in the middle of the roundabout in Iganga town,” Mukalu said. “Drivers can’t see clearly when approaching the junctions. Some posters are even covering road signs. This practice must be regulated.”

He added that while freedom of political expression is important, safety must come first, urging the Electoral Commission and local authorities to enforce stricter rules on where campaign materials can be displayed.

Mukalu also alleged that most opposition posters had been removed, leaving mainly those of NRM candidates visible in key spots, creating both political bias and road safety risks.

To address the growing risk, Mukalu and his team have launched a road safety campaign dubbed “Team Kwetakulira, Yagaliza Ofune” (Be Disciplined, Wish Others Well), aimed at restoring pedestrian crossings and raising awareness among motorists and passengers.

“We are going to repaint two zebra crossings — one near the police station and another close to Mudali Pharmacy,” he revealed. “We’ve already written to police and relevant offices seeking clearance to start the work.”

He also appealed to passengers to report reckless drivers and speak up against dangerous road behaviour before accidents happen.

Residents, Councillors Decry Bureaucracy, Negligence

Mr. Kalogo Moses, a resident of Buseyi Central, Nakalama Sub-county, said the blocking of road signs by campaign banners along the Iganga–Tororo highway has become “a death trap” for road users. “Some corners have posters covering road symbols,” he said. “If you don’t know the road well, you might miss a turn or warning sign. It’s dangerous.”

Mr. Mpisi Mutwalibi, an aspiring municipal councillor for Kasokoso Ward, said bureaucratic procedures have stalled local initiatives to repaint faded road markings.

“I once bought paint to repaint zebra crossings in Iganga town but was stopped because of ‘protocol’ issues,” he lamented. “Meanwhile, school children continue to get hit crossing the road. These are avoidable accidents.”

The renewed calls come after a series of fatal accidents across the Busoga region.

Last week, two people were killed on the spot in a head-on collision at Ibaako, Bugweri District, along the Iganga–Bugiri highway. According to police, the crash occurred when one taxi attempted to overtake another vehicle and collided with an oncoming taxi.

Busoga East Police Spokesperson ASP Michael Kasadha said human error remains the leading cause of crashes, citing reckless overtaking, speeding, and driver negligence as common factors.

The developments come just days after a major crash on the Kampala–Gulu highway claimed over 40 lives, prompting national calls for greater discipline among road users.