By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
NATIONAL
Works and Transport Minister Fred Byamukama has ordered a nationwide safety audit of railway crossings and other high-risk roads following Friday’s fatal collision between a passenger train and a school bus in Mukono district that claimed one life and left several students injured.
“I have directed the Ministry to work with Uganda Railways, Police and all relevant agencies to undertake a nationwide safety audit of railway crossings and high-risk roads, review school transport safety standards, strengthen enforcement, improve signage and warning systems, and intensify road safety awareness campaigns,” Byamukama said.
The directive follows Friday morning’s accident at Namumira village along Katosi Road in Mukono district, where a Friendship Coaches bus carrying students of Mwebaze High School, Kakiri, collided with a train at a railway crossing. One female passenger died on the spot, while several students sustained injuries.
Police attributed the crash to the bus driver’s failure to comply with railway crossing regulations. The driver reportedly fled the scene after the collision.
The injured students were evacuated to Mukono General Hospital and nearby health facilities for treatment.
Byamukama raised concerns over a series of road tragedies that have recently claimed lives, citing another fatal crash at Bobi on the Kampala-Gulu highway. He blamed reckless driving, speeding and disregard for traffic regulations for the increasing number of road crashes.
“Reckless driving, speeding and disregard for traffic rules continue to cost innocent lives. We must strengthen enforcement and ensure that dangerous driving attracts firm consequences to deter behaviour that puts lives at risk. These repeated tragedies demand urgent action,” he said.
According to the Minister, a planned audit will identify safety gaps at railway crossings and recommend measures to prevent similar accidents across the country.
