Kasunganyanja Black Spot: Leaders Demand Permanent Fix Amidst Fatal Crashes

The Kasunganyanja black spot on the Fort Portal–Kasese Highway has become a growing concern for residents and leaders in Bunyangabu District. In the last five years alone, a staggering 13 lives have been lost in major accidents along this dangerous stretch of road.

The fatal crashes are attributed to the road’s treacherous design: a steep downhill gradient immediately followed by a sharp bend. This combination has repeatedly turned the highway into a death trap.

Recent incidents highlight the severity of the problem. In February 2021, a fuel tanker lost its brakes on the slope, crashing into a stationary lorry and causing an explosion that killed four people. More recently, in January 2024, a speeding trailer failed to navigate the bend, colliding with a taxi and resulting in three fatalities, including a pedestrian.

Local leaders, including Bunyangabu County MP Victor Kalenzi and Woman MP Sarah Kabarokole, are advocating for more than just temporary fixes. They emphasize the need for permanent engineering solutions to address the inherent dangers of the road’s design, particularly for heavy vehicles.

Residents live in constant fear, with many becoming anxious whenever heavy trucks approach the perilous section. The emotional and financial toll on families who have lost loved ones, many of whom have received no compensation, is significant.

Proposals for a permanent solution include constructing a truck stop, implementing stricter vehicle inspections, and improving the road itself. Leaders are also suggesting a road diversion to lessen the steep gradient and dangerous bend, alongside the installation of emergency escape lanes, rumble strips, enhanced signage, and speed-calming measures.

As traffic on the Fort Portal–Kasese Highway continues to grow, the community insists that only a comprehensive engineering approach can prevent the Kasunganyanja black spot from claiming more lives.

Source: Nile Post