Minister Byamukama issues orders on rail and road transport
The minister who expressed sadness over the tragic incident extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Fred Byamukama, the Minister of Works and Transport. (File photo)
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Following the July 10th crash in Mukono involving a commuter train and a school bus, Fred Byamukama, the Minister of Works and Transport, has issued orders to different government stakeholders.
In a post on social media X, the minister stated, "I have directed the Ministry (W&T) to work with the Uganda Railways Corporation, Uganda Police Force and all relevant agencies to undertake the following.
A nationwide safety audit of railway crossings and high-risk roads, improve signage and warning systems, intensify road safety awareness campaigns, review school transport safety standards and strengthen enforcement."
The minister who expressed sadness over the tragic incident extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
"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," the minister stated.
The deceased was identified as the wife of one of the teachers on the trip.
According to the Uganda Police Force, the incident occurred at 6:45am when the bus driver ignored the guidance of the traffic officer, ramming into the commuter train.
Uganda Railways spokesperson John Sengendo reported that a police officer stationed about 200 metres from the crossing had signalled the driver to stop, but the driver drove onto the railway line, where the collision occurred.
"The accident involved our daily commuter passenger train that was coming from Mukono. As per the safety guidelines, at 6:30 am, the lights of the locomotive train is on, and the hoot is on from Mukono, and it was heard by the residents. At the time of the accident, we had security manning the level crossing, and one of the security personnel tried to stop the bus but the driver ignored him and, unfortunately, hit the train and overturned,” Ssengendo said.
On Saturday, July 11, Uganda Railways Corporation urged motorists to operate vehicles responsibly and in full compliance with traffic and rail safety regulations, and to avoid any actions that may endanger their own lives or those of other road users.
URC is a public notice revealed that management is implementing interventions to address the risks at high-risk level crossings, and procurement is already in the advanced stages.
Immediate action includes the installation of automated barrier systems at railway level crossings in Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono.
The barriers will include Boom Gates, Warning Lights, and Audible Alarms and will close whenever a train approaches.
In the meantime, additional manpower will be deployed at all level crossings as an immediate safety measure.
Working with the Ministry of Works and Transport, URC will also construct humps on highway approaches to selected Level Crossings to reduce vehicle speed.