Minister arrests speeding bus driver

Aug 24, 2008

THE driver of a Kitgum-bound bus was intercepted by transport state minister Simon Ejua on Friday for reckless driving and speeding.

By Frank Mugabi

THE driver of a Kitgum-bound bus was intercepted by transport state minister Simon Ejua on Friday for reckless driving and speeding.

Ejua, who was heading to Yumbe from Kampala, said he ordered his bodyguard to stop the bus after it rammed into the rear of his car in Nakitooma in Nakasongola district on the Gulu-Kampala highway at about midday. The road is being repaired.

“We were driving through this bad area when the bus came from behind at terrific speed and almost crushed mine and another car,” Ejua narrated.

After realising he was in danger, Ejua added, the driver of the ‘Redeemer Coach’, UAJ 367D, hooted earnestly and nearly swerved off the road as he overtook other vehicles.

Ejua would take none of it, gave chase and caught up with the bus driver, Robert Mwanje, near Kafu trading centre.

The minister’s bodyguard ordered Mwanje to drive to Kafu Police Station where Mwanje was charged with speeding and reckless driving.
Mwanje’s behaviour on the road did not surprise the Police, who said they had complained about him before.

“This is a reckless driver on this highway. He doesn’t respect our stop-point (at Kafu Bridge). One time, he knocked it down but just sped off,” said the Mobile Police assistant inspector, Robert Okia Junena.

The conductor of the bus, Martin Ochan, said the bus belonged to one Okello Ocii, a businessman.

Distraught passengers had to wait at the station for one hour as the Police interrogated the driver.

However, they thanked the minister for fighting “dangerous driving”.

“We have lost some time on the way but I thank the minister for his action because we were very uncomfortable with the way the man was driving us,” passenger Dennis Openji said.

After making a statement, Mwanje proceeded to Kitgum. He is expected to report back to Kafu Police on Saturday. Junena said Mwanje would be charged in court.

Ejua urged the Police to enforce the law on speed governors which should limit top speed for public transport vehicles to 80km per hour. Although it was enacted two years back, the implementation has so far failed.

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