EDITORIAL: A number of accidents involving over speeding sino trucks are always reported by the media in various parts of the country.
The most recent case was reported on Tuesday 14th March, where a speeding sino truck registration number UBL 790J lost control and rammed into Kasaka senior secondary school in Gomba district where it killed 4 students and injuring over 20 students and teachers.
According to traffic police, the Sino truck driver lost control and rammed into the school fence, proceeded through to the school computer lab that was occupied by students.
This tragic incident has highlighted the need for improved safety measures on Uganda’s roads because Sino truck drivers behave as if they have right of way.
Dr. Nabadda Sitenda Madrine, the National Vice President of Uganda Veterinary Association (UVA) and a Veterinary officer in Ssembabule District says Sino truck drivers usually drive recklessly as if they have right of way by default, and once you don’t give it way it just rams into any kind of vehicle you might be driving.
Ms. Ingrid Turinawe, a female Ugandan politician, through her social media platforms, expressed concerns about the safety of Ugandans due to Sino truck vehicles.
“Who will save Ugandans from these Sino Trucks! Nowhere to hide or avoid them, if it does not get you on the road, it will find you in your house. RIP Innocent young souls.” She said
In November 2019, A Sino truck registration number UAX 495M rammed into nine vehicles and two motorcycles at Ntinda, Kiwatule road and it was just by mercy of God that there were no confirmed deaths at the scene.
In November 2022, One person was confirmed dead while others sustained injuries in an accident at Kakoni Katonga in Mpigi district along Kampala-Masaka road involving motor vehicle reg. no UBL314Z (sinotruck) and motor vehicle reg. no. UBK 530T (Fuso)
Most of the reported Sino truck accidents according to Traffic Police reports are caused by over speeding and reckless driving and over taking as if they have right of way.
Sino trucks mostly carry sand, stones, petroleum products, beverages, debris, concrete and many sorts of heavy cargo which calls for their drivers to drive with reasonable speed limits because they easily fail to brake.
Should we conclude that Sino trucks have right of way in Uganda by default?
Section 123 of Traffic and Road Safety Act, 1998, gives the right of way to emergency vehicles defined as “a motor vehicle, trailer or engineering plant for the purpose of the police, ambulances, motor vehicles of armed forces and such other vehicles that may be designated by the minister.
Sebamala.com editorial supplement
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