Communities sensitised on road safety as sh263b Kabwoya–Buhuka oil road takes shape
Bumba guided residents on traffic rules, including the use of helmets, reflector jackets and safety footwear.
Ambrose Atwine (right), the public relations officer of CRSG, Bumba OC traffic at Kyangwali police station (2nd right) giving reflector jackets to boda boda cyclists. (Photos by Peter Abaanabasazi)
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In an effort to reduce road accidents along the ongoing sh263 billion Kabwoya–Buhuka critical oil road project, traffic police, in partnership with China Railway Seventh Group (CRSG), have launched a sensitisation campaign targeting boda-boda riders, children and local communities on traffic regulations.
The 43-kilometre road links to the 10-kilometre Buhuka–Kingfisher tarmacked road leading to the Kingfisher oil field in Buhuka parish along the shores of Lake Albert. The three-year project is being implemented by China Railway Seventh Group.
While conducting the sensitisation, AIP Emmanuel Bumba, the officer in charge of traffic at Kyangwali Police Station, attributed road accidents in the area to failure to observe traffic regulations.
He warned against riding motorcycles in poor mechanical condition and overspeeding, noting that such practices contribute significantly to road accidents.
Emmanuel Bumba, the officer in charge of traffic at Kyangwali police station while sensitising the locals
Bumba also cautioned children against playing on roads, saying many accidents involving children result from indiscipline on the road. He further warned the public against grazing animals along roads, describing it as one of the major causes of traffic accidents.
The sensitisation also included training community members on safe road crossing and understanding road signs.
CRSG public relations officer Ambrose Atwine said the road use sensitisation campaign was aimed at promoting safe road usage as construction progresses.
He said the campaign started in Wairagaza and would be extended to Kabwoya, Nsozi, Kyangwali trading centre and Kikoora.
John Murungi, a boda-boda rider, welcomed the sensitisation, saying several roads in Kikuube District had been upgraded from marram to tarmac, but accidents had increased despite being avoidable.
He noted that the excitement of smooth roads had led some road users to ride and drive as they did on marram roads. Murungi said the sensitisation would help boda-boda riders and other road users understand road signs, markings and proper road usage.
During the meeting, boda-boda riders were given free reflector jackets.