Following the recent spate of accidents along the Kampala-Masaka–Mbarara highway that have claimed the lives of over 30 people within a period of one month, the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), has initiated a programme aimed at reducing the number of accidents.
The ‘Fika Salama’ programme that began early this week is being carried out in conjunction with the Uganda Police Force traffic department and the Ministry of Works and Transport, and has seen a number non-roadworthy vehicles being impounded and licenses revoked. Since its launch, UNRA officials have estimated that over 50% of drivers do not possess the required documents.
“It’s aimed at penalizing errant motorists while looking out for the following: vehicles in dangerous mechanical condition, speeding motorists, driving under the influence of alcohol, and those without driving permits,” an official of UNRA said.
The programme also strongly advocates for the participation of passengers, encouraging them to report any misconduct on the road in order to ensure their safety.
According to UNRA, props such as cameras and road blockades have been employed with new gadgets such as the ‘speed guvnor’ also being introduced to fight against the ‘bloodshed’ on the roads, starting with the Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara Highway.
