The Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) has urged government to expedite the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway that they said will help save thousands of Ugandan lives lost to road accidents.
UPC spokesperson Arach Oyat Sharon said on Wednesday that the increasing accident rates are alarming.
" "These tragic accidents are primarily due to reckless driving by both drivers and motorcycle riders, many of whom lack driving permits. We 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," Arach said.
The UPC believes the solution lies in improving the transport infrastructure.
The opposition party urges government to expedite the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and Metre Gauge Railway projects.
According to UPC, these alternative transport system would not only provide a cheaper means of transportation for goods but also facilitate the easy movement of people within Uganda and to other East African Community member states.
"We need a sound transport system. as major alternatives and cheaper means of transportation of goods and easy movement of people for both internal and external communication links."
The UPC also stressed the importance of maintaining road quality to meet regional standards and advocates exploring other modes of transport like water and air, particularly promoting domestic flights by Uganda Airlines.
Beyond road safety, the UPC highlighted a surge in criminal activities involving Boda Boda riders and individuals impersonating security personnel.
"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."
