By Nakiwala Barbra
The Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala, has unveiled strict measures aimed at curbing the surge in road accidents typically witnessed during this period.
Speaking at a press briefing held at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, Gen. Katumba expressed concern over the rising fatalities during the holidays and announced directives for both motorists and passengers to ensure public safety.
Key among the directives is a ban on buses traveling distances of over 300 kilometers from making return journeys on the same day. Only buses with valid route charts and licensed drivers will be permitted to operate, with all drivers required to wear uniforms displaying their badges. Additionally, each bus must display a passport photo of its driver in a visible location to ensure passengers can identify who is in charge of their journey. Buses that fail to comply with these regulations will be impounded immediately.
Gen. Katumba further warned schools and institutions against using their buses for commercial purposes during the festive season, stating that such activities are unauthorized. “School buses are not licensed to carry out such services. If found, the vehicles will be impounded, and those involved will face arrest and prosecution,” he said.
Turning attention to water safety, the Minister prohibited nighttime boat cruises due to reduced visibility that hinders rescue operations in the event of accidents. He also tasked local leaders in districts like Buvuma, Kalangala, and Namiyingo with ensuring that only seaworthy vessels are used to transport passengers.
The need for these measures stems from alarming road safety statistics. Between January and September 2024, over 3,090 lives were lost in road crashes. During last year’s festive season, 60 lives were claimed in just seven days due to reckless road usage. “This time, we aim to reverse the trend by issuing early warnings and stringent directives,” Gen. Katumba emphasized.
Reiterating a zero-tolerance approach, the Minister declared, “We shall arrest and hold offenders in custody until the festive season ends. There will be no ‘gamba n’ogwo.’ I will not entertain any calls regarding traffic offenders.”
Traffic Police boss AIGP Lawrence Niwabine, who was also present at the briefing, highlighted challenges like the influx of excited, inexperienced drivers and limited automation, such as insufficient CCTV coverage for monitoring traffic violations. He vowed strict enforcement of the Minister’s directives, warning that all offenders would be prosecuted without fear or favor.
The Minister also appealed to passengers to remain vigilant and responsible. “Safety on the road is everyone’s responsibility. Let’s work together to ensure a safe and joyful holiday season,” he urged.
With these measures in place, the government aims to drastically reduce fatalities and ensure that the festive season is marked by celebration rather than tragedy.
