SURGE: Mbale City Accidents Soars In 2021- Report

Mbale City accidents soar

Statistics show an increase in road accidents in Mbale City GRAPHICS/SMN

By PHOBE MASONGOLE 

Mbale City, UGANDA|SHIFTMEDIA| As the year winds up with more journeys expected upcountry, the cases of accidents in Mbale City have surged.

Latest statistics from the 2021 traffic accidents indicated an increase compared to that of 2020.

Statistics from the traffic department show 319 cases were registered between January to October this year compared to 2019 cases recorded in 2020.

Out of the 319 cases 49 individuals were killed, while 171 attained serious injuries, and 99 sustained minor injuries.

The Elgon region Police Spokesperson Rogers Taitika attributed the increased accident cases to vehicles with poor mechanic conditions.

“It seems car owners don’t service their own cars before embarking on journey which makes them to break along the roads hence causing accidents” said Taitika.

He also said speeding by careless and reckless drivers was another factor causing deaths.

Taitika noted that drivers no longer respect black spots because accidents almost happen in same positions especially on Mbale-Tororo road.

“We are currently using CCTV cameras to help us fish out those disrespecting traffic laws and this will  be paramount because it will help to curb rampant accidents in the Elgon region” he said

Kassim Namugali, the Mbale city Mayor said curfew confusion has led to increased accidents

“Drivers drive at a very high and terrible speed to escape curfew time and they end up losing control of their vehicles hence accidents” he said.

Namugali attributed the issue of vehicle parking along the roads. “people pack anyhow along the roads especially on Kumi – Soroti road and Mbale–Tororo yet these are busy roads and are narrow,” said Namugale.

Robert Webale, Resident city commissioner Mbale city said accidents usually happen around sharp confers.

“Last month Minister for works instructed that all sharp corners be removed on roads. We are waiting for this to be worked on”

He added; “we also have a problem of pot holes along roads which have caused accidents especially when it rains.”

Irene Mudemo, a resident of Bungokho Sub County said overloading has also contributed to the continued accidents

Drivers over load luggage on their vehicle especially taxis carry more than the capacity, most vehicles have fallen along the roads, ” she said.

Isacc Wanabaka, a resident of Wanale said there is unprofessionalism among drivers.

Titius Namonyo, a driver said driving schools have not done enough

“Driving schools are money oriented they don’t want to train their learners for long time, they want money and just issue driving permits to them even without knowing”

He added; “they should be trained on how to behave while on the road”

One of the traffic officer who wanted anonymity because he is not supposed to talk to media said most challenges faced by drivers is ignorance about road laws.

Isaac Woniala, councilor industrial west city division said police should aim at arresting road law abusers.

 

 

 

 

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