The Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala, has urged Ugandans to adopt a culture of responsible road use in order to tackle the rising number of fatal accidents in the country. This plea came during the flagging off of walkers who embarked on a journey from Kampala City to Fort Portal City, aiming to promote road safety awareness and advocate for safer roads.
The event commenced on Monday, February 26, 2024, with an enthusiastic gathering at the Independence Monument grounds in Kampala. Participants engaged in impactful discussions centered around the pressing need for improved road safety measures throughout Uganda.
Addressing the crowd as the chief guest, Gen. Katumba emphasized the urgency of the matter and the necessity of collective action. He implored all Ugandans to embrace a culture of responsible road use and assured stakeholders of the Ministry’s commitment to collaborate in implementing effective road safety measures.
“I call upon all Ugandans to embrace a culture of responsible road use and pledge the ministry’s commitment to collaborate with stakeholders in implementing effective road safety measures,” Gen. Katumba said.
The walkers were led by the passionate Joseph Beyanga, popularly known as Joe Walker. This diverse group comprised individuals from various sectors, including representatives from Coca-Cola, the National Drug Authority (NDA), and other stakeholders. With their collective dedication and determination, the event aimed to raise awareness about road safety and encourage practical steps towards creating safer roads for all.
In his address, Joe Walker has highlighted the alarming statistics surrounding road accidents in Uganda. The previous year alone witnessed 4,806 reported fatalities, with tens of thousands more left seriously injured. These numbers underscored the dire need for immediate action.
Joe Walker emphasized the three pillars of road safety: engineering, enforcement, and education. While acknowledging the government’s efforts in infrastructure development, he stressed the significance of stricter enforcement of traffic laws and comprehensive educational campaigns to promote responsible road use.
The Commissioner of Transport Regulation and Safety from the Ministry of Works, Winston Katushabe, echoed these sentiments and emphasized the importance of partnerships with various organizations to drive meaningful change. He called upon all stakeholders to unite in the fight against road fatalities, highlighting the principle of collective responsibility.
“There is a need for collective responsibility in ensuring road safety. I urge all stakeholders to join forces in fighting these road fatalities, ” Katushabe said.
At around 7:00 am, the walk officially began, with participants expressing their unwavering commitment to advocating for road safety. They pledged to work together to create safer roads that prioritize the well-being of all Ugandans. With the momentum generated by this walk and the resolute dedication of stakeholders, hope looms on the horizon for a future where every journey on Uganda’s roads concludes safely.
This event served as a powerful reminder that every individual plays a crucial role in ensuring road safety. By emulating a culture of responsible road use and strengthening collaborative efforts with the government and various organizations, Ugandans can combat the rising tide of road fatalities and transform their nation’s roads into secure pathways for all.
