By Aggrey Twesigye
The Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS), in collaboration with officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport, has trained key transport stakeholders on road safety as the country prepares for the festive season a period often marked by increased road crashes.
The road safety awareness campaign, held under the theme “Safer Vehicles for a Safer Uganda,” took place yesterday at Adit Mall in Mbarara City.
The training aimed at sensitizing road users on personal safety while using Ugandan roads and engaging transport operators on the importance of ensuring their vehicles are roadworthy before setting off.
The campaign also featured practical activities, including the painting of zebra crossings within Mbarara City, as part of efforts to promote pedestrian safety.
Addressing participants, the Senior Road Safety Officer at the Ministry of Works and Transport, James Katunguka, said the ministry opened vehicle inspection stations across the country in January this year to improve compliance with safety standards. He encouraged motorists to utilize the facilities to help reduce road accidents and promote safer travel.
While opening the training, the Mbarara City Resident City Commissioner, Catherine Hellen Kamwine, urged motorists to carry out regular vehicle inspections and strictly adhere to traffic signs, especially during the busy festive period.
According to official statistics, Uganda loses an estimated Shs 4.4 trillion about five percent of its Gross Domestic Product every financial year due to deaths and injuries resulting from road crashes.
