Accident in Njeru leaves 2 dead

According to a statement issued by the Police this morning (05:00 a.m., Friday, August 4, 2023), the accident occurred at Kitigoma village along the Jinja-Kampala highway.

The statement further indicated that the accident involved two motor vehicles with registration numbers UBB 716F (Fuso Fighter) and UAY 077A/UAY 928A (Fuel Tank).

According to preliminary findings, the Fuso Fighter with registration No. UBB 716F, driven by a yet-to-be identified person, was travelling from Jinja towards Kampala when it veered into the lane of oncoming traffic from Kampala, colliding with the M/Benz Fuel Tank vehicle (registration No. UAY 077A/UAY 928A) heading towards Jinja.

The Fuso driver and turnman lost their lives in the accident, and their bodies have since been removed from the truck.

Police said that the driver of the Mercedes banz and turnman have been rushed to Jinja Hospital in critical condition for medical treatment.

Both motor vehicles are still at the scene, awaiting towing, while inquiries are being conducted.

The Police urged all road users to prioritise road safety and avoid reckless driving.

A crisis meeting on road safety that was held with the attendance of key stakeholders resolved to strengthen road safety laws.

The meeting, which was chaired by the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, resolved that there have to be strong regulations on the towing and auctioning of abandoned or broken-down automobiles on carriageways.

"Whereas the Traffic and Road Safety Act, 1998, has attendant regulations that have aided its operationalization, the Roads Act, 2019, which addresses various aspects of road safety, does not have regulations," a statement issued by Anita Among on her official Twitter handle read.

It further read: "There is a need for regulations to operationalize Sections 57, 58, and 59 on the towing and auctioning of abandoned or brokendown automobiles on carriageways. UNRA has immediately offered to tow at least eight abandoned vehicles. The Minister of Works and Transport must expedite the development of regulations to operationalize the Roads Act, 2019. "