Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) on Wednesday raised concerns about the Traffic Police Report that revealed that over 80 people died in road accidents in just a period of one week from 7th – 13th July, 2024.
“The Party extends heartfelt condolences to families that lost their loved ones in such fatal accidents and quick recovery to those hospitalized nursing wounds in different hospitals”, said Ms. Oyat Arach Sharon, UPC Spokesperson, while addressing a media conference at the Party Head Office located in Uganda House in Kampala.
She pointed out that; road accidents are mostly attributed to reckless driving by both drivers and motorcycle riders of whom, many do not have driving permits.
“Much as this is true, UPC would like to draw the Government’s attention to the big issue of too much traffic of heavy trucks carrying goods on our narrow weak roads thus damaging them and creating potholes which is a recipe for accidents”, said Ms. Arach in a statement.
UPC in addition reiterated that the Government needs to expedite the process of the Standard Gauge Railway and the Metter Gauge as major alternatives and cheaper means of transportation of goods, and easy movement of people for both internal and external communication links to member States of the East African Community.
“Equally, the roads should be in good shape and meet the required standards in the region of East Africa as opposed to lagging behind in the region. Other modes of transport like water and Air should be explored especially domestic flights by Uganda Airlines”, added Ms.Arach
Likewise, UPC has expressed concerns on the recent spate of robberies around Kampala City, citing the Tuesday broad light robbery of an Asian along Kampala road and the thieves escaping un-noticed aboard Boda Boda Cyclists as shown on the CCTV footage that went viral on social media.
Ms. Oyat Arach also called upon security operatives to beef up their vigilance and bring to book criminals who impersonate as security personnel with the intention of robbing innocent members of the public, as it was the case with the recently apprehended suspect donning Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) uniform.
“Besides road carnage, there is another wave of criminality using Boda Boda and impersonation as security operatives to commit crimes. UPC applauds the Army for arresting the person who was impersonating as an army officer and committing crimes in communities. However, a little more effort is needed by all security agencies to stop this kind of criminality in the entire country”, concluded Ms.Arach.
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