PARLIAMENT: The Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Anitah Annet Among has directed the Ministry of Works & Transport and other agencies like Uganda Police and the Uganda National Roads Authority to tow cars parked on the roadside to avert road accidents.
This is in light of last week’s road accident that claimed the life of businessman Apollo Nyagamehe, also known as Aponye.
The Speaker was giving her communication to the house on Tuesday Afternoon during the 10th sitting of the 1st meeting of the 3rd session of the 11th Parliament.
“If we implemented the Road Act, 2019 to the letter then we would not be having all these problems. I want to urge the Minister to implement the law, especially Section 58, to tow those vehicles that break down on the road.” Speaker Among said.
In Reaction to the Speaker’s communication, Hon. Linos Ngompek (Kibanda North) blamed the highway road accidents on poor road signage. He implored the Ministry of Works and Transport to do road re-marking to increase visibility.
Hon. Jonathan Odur (Erute South) said it is a criminal offence as stipulated in the Road Act, 2019 to leave a vehicle on the roadside beyond 30 minutes for urban roads and one hour for rural roads. He blamed Gov’t for failing to implement the Act.
Hon. Suzan Amero (Amuria District): The issue of accidents in Uganda isn’t about roads, but we are just not disciplined at all.
“We also need to change the caliber of the people who are given permits.” Hon Amero said.
State Minister for Transport, Hon. Byamukama Fred committed to ensure that the law is fully implemented
Police investigations revealed that the Land Cruiser with registration UBF 300Z, heading towards Kabale, rammed into a stationary FUSO truck registered as UAZ 767D.
The FUSO truck had encountered a mechanical problem and was parked alongside the road in Itojo along the Ntungamo-Mbarara Road. Regrettably, Mr. Apollo Nyegamehe lost his life in the accident. His remains were transferred to the mortuary at Itojo Hospital. The two injured individuals were swiftly transported to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital for immediate medical attention.
centralupdates31@gmail.com
