Pilgrims decry poor road usage by motorists

By Vivian Agaba       

With just one day remaining to the Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations to be held at the Catholic Martyrs and Church of Uganda shrines in Namugongo, New Vision set out to find out the challenges pilgrims, especially those that walk long distances, face.

Pilgrims from various destinations New Vision spoke to decried reckless motorists, saying they contribute to the biggest number of accidents.

Andrea Severino Oloya, a catechist that walked from Gulu to Uganda Martyrs Shrine, Namugongo said on his way, he noticed motorists especially boda bodas riding on pedestrian pavements putting their lives in danger.

"When I was coming, I noticed on several occasions boda bodas attempting to overtake vehicles but after failing, they would ram into pedestrians on pavements to the extent of almost knocking them," said Oloya.

Oloya said pilgrim treks are in jeopardy and lives are at the mercy of motorists. 

Grace Kirya, 53, a pilgrim said while trekking from Masindi to Namugongo, she thrice jumped into the bush to avoid speeding taxis and buses that were overtaking.

"I witnessed one bus pass right next to me as it attempted to overtake another. I ended up dashing into the bush to save my life," said Kirya.

Leocardia Kamusiime, 36, a pilgrim from Kabale said that most motorists on highways over take like they are in a competition which is likely to cause accidents.

Peace Apecho, 80, a pilgrim from Soroti said on her way, two buses trying to overtake hooted just when they were very close to her, and she fell in the bush.

Catherine Bariyo, a pilgrim from Bushenyi said boda bodas riders are the worst road users causing the highest number pedestrian accidents.

"During our journey, boda boda on several occasions encroached on our paths and whenever we complained, they abused us. Traffic police should punish motor cyclists founding abusing traffic rules," said Bariyo.

Norman Musinga, officer in charge of traffic police operations in Kampala Metropolitan police said poor road usage especially by motorists is a serious problem countrywide hence the need for strong measures in sensitizing them about traffic rules and proper road usage which will minimize road accidents.

Mathias Okwir, Kampala metropolitan police community liaison officer said according to traffic police report of 2013-2014, about 2,616 people died countrywide due to fatal road accidents mostly resulting from
over speeding especially on highways. 

About 8,874 people got serious accidents, 6,878 people were involved in minor road accidents and in total, and 18,368 people were involved in accidents countrywide.

This year's celebrations will be led by Lira diocese and the main celebrant will be the bishop of Lira diocese, Bishop Joseph Frazelli.

The theme of the celebrations is "Called to be witnesses in the family and society," delivered from Acts of Apostles 1:8.