Road Safety Advocates Urge "Smart Enforcement" After Tragic School Bus Crashes

The recent tragic school bus accident in Kapchorwa, which claimed the lives of 20 pupils and one adult, has brought renewed attention to road safety in Uganda. The incident, where a bus from King David Junior School reportedly lost control and overturned, has spurred calls for the government to expedite the rollout of automated smart enforcement systems.

Commercial drivers operating various routes have voiced strong support for such technology. They believe that systems like the Express Penalty System (EPS), which utilizes cameras and AI to detect violations like speeding, would foster greater discipline among drivers and reduce reckless behavior. “The EPS system would help reduce traffic offences and instil a sense of discipline among drivers because everyone would know that violations cannot go unnoticed,” stated Timothy Agaba, a bus driver.

Road safety specialists echo these sentiments, emphasizing that automated enforcement, when combined with other measures, can significantly improve road safety. “Preventive inspections are far less costly than the human and economic consequences of fatal road crashes,” noted Albinius Twesigomwe, a road safety specialist. He advocates for enhanced vehicle inspection systems and more frequent roadworthiness checks for passenger vehicles, suggesting mandatory inspections every 90 days for buses and taxis.

Uganda has been grappling with a concerning rise in road accidents, with police reports indicating an increase in both overall and fatal crashes. Speeding and careless overtaking are identified as primary causes. Advocates argue that while EPS is not a silver bullet, integrating it with mandatory speed governors, stricter licensing, and ongoing driver education could dramatically lower the country’s high road death toll.

In response to the Kapchorwa tragedy, the Ministry of Education has temporarily suspended all school educational trips as investigations continue. The ministries of Education, Works and Transport, and Internal Affairs are also reviewing safety protocols for school transport.

This push for enhanced enforcement comes as proposed reforms to Uganda’s traffic laws, including adjustments to fines and the establishment of an appeals mechanism, await Cabinet consideration. The broader discussion also touches upon the effectiveness of current fine structures in promoting compliance, with some suggesting that more accessible fines could be more impactful.

Source: The Observer (Uganda) https://observer.ug/news/after-kapchorwa-activists-call-for-smart-enforcement