Sharp corners blamed for rampant accidents in Buliisa
He also advised truck drivers to take regular breaks to avoid fatigue-related accidents.
Buliisa: Drivers, particularly truck drivers, have attributed the increasing number of road accidents in the oil-rich Buliisa District to sharp corners, especially at the Butiaba escarpment, and the poor mechanical conditions of some vehicles.
In an exclusive interview with ugreports.co.ug on Friday, Stephen Mulambuzi Kooja, a trailer driver, described the Butiaba escarpment as a “death trap” for many truckers, especially those who are unfamiliar with the route following the diversion of trucks from Karuma Bridge.
“Most truck drivers are new to this route. We were used to the Kampala–Gulu Highway, but we were diverted due to the rehabilitation of Karuma,” he explained.
Mulambuzi also pointed out that some drivers prioritize making money over safety, driving vehicles in dangerous mechanical conditions, which leads to frequent accidents.
“Many drivers operate vehicles in poor mechanical condition due to their pursuit of money, and this has caused numerous accidents on this road,” he emphasized.
Geoffrey Kasangaki, a taxi driver on the Hoima–Buliisa–Wanseko road, highlighted vandalized road signs and driver fatigue as major contributors to the high accident rate.
Meanwhile, Charles Rugongeza, a driver on the Masindi–Biiso road, urged the government to install speed humps and designated rest areas to allow drivers to take breaks, as long-distance travel often leads to exhaustion and accidents.
Asaba Musa Awera, the LC3 Chairperson of Butiaba Town Council, called on the Ministry of Works to conduct a proper assessment and ensure that road designs are clearly marked to warn drivers of upcoming hazards.
He also urged the government to establish a parking yard for truck drivers, allowing them to rest adequately, particularly those traveling from other countries.
Terence Sendegeya, the Officer in Charge of Traffic in Buliisa District, acknowledged the alarming number of accidents along the Hoima–Buliisa–Wanseko road.
As a preventive measure, traffic officers have been deployed at key points, including the approach to the escarpment and Waiga Road, to regulate traffic flow and reduce accidents.
He also advised truck drivers to take regular breaks to avoid fatigue-related accidents.
“Truck drivers should always rest in towns like Biiso and Buliisa before proceeding to West Nile, as they travel long distances,” he advised.
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