Works Ministry steps up safety at deadly Busabala junction after public outcry

The Ministry of Works and Transport has finally responded to weeks of public concern by installing new safety measures at the dangerous Busabala junction, along the Kajjansi-Munyonyo spur on the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway. 

The move comes after numerous accidents and growing complaints about the hazardous conditions at the site.

The Ministry’s interventions include the strategic placement of traffic cones to direct vehicles safely onto the junction ramp. 

Additionally, the concrete barriers sealing off the underpass have been repainted in brighter colours to improve their visibility, especially at night. 

Several warning signs have also been installed several metres before the junction to alert approaching drivers in advance.

The Busabala junction has been under construction for some time, but work was temporarily halted when the contractor abandoned the project over delayed payments. 

The underpass was sealed off with concrete barriers to allow pedestrians to cross safely. 

Unfortunately, these barriers became a hazard themselves, causing multiple accidents, particularly at night when poor lighting made the dust-covered barriers hard to see.

The dangers of the junction were tragically highlighted on March 3rd when prominent businessman Rajiv Ruparelia, son of tycoon Sudhir Ruparelia, died instantly after his Nissan GT-R crashed into the barriers and caught fire. 

This shocking incident was not isolated; several fatal crashes had occurred both before and after, including one as recently as last weekend.

Public outrage grew, and a lawsuit was filed against the road contractor for failing to complete the works safely. 

In response, the Ministry announced the new safety measures and deployed traffic police officers to the junction to manage traffic and guide motorists through the complex area.

The Ministry has advised all drivers to approach the Busabala junction with extreme caution, recommending a speed limit of 30km/hr or less. 

Authorities hope these measures will reduce accidents and protect both motorists and pedestrians as construction continues.