A report by Safe Way Right Way highlighted that daily accidents in Bunyoro leave a trail of deaths, serious injuries, and financial strain on victims struggling to cover medical costs.
Bashir Gwandaye from Safe Way Right Way linked the spike in accidents to the proliferation of vehicles and motorcycles in the region, coupled with a lack of driver knowledge.
“These statistics are worrying. People buy cars, they use roads anyhow, some have not even gone to driving schools and don’t even have driving licenses. We need to act now as a country,” Gwandaye said.
He warned that without urgent sensitization campaigns, accidents—particularly involving school children—would continue.
“You notice people don’t even value road signs, some don’t even know what certain signs mean, yet they are on the roads. We need everyone to join the cause to make our good roads built for development in Bunyoro safe, instead of killing people, especially the young as they go to school,” Gwandaye added.
The Bunyoro Kingdom also expressed concern over lax enforcement. Premier Andrew Byakutaga said, “Let traffic become more serious and act on people driving badly. We can’t keep losing lives on issues that can be avoided. All lives matter.”
The issue gained attention when the Rotary Club Hoima Albertine honored boda boda rider Ivan Tibaijuka for his selfless work helping school children cross roads safely.
The club’s recognition, inspired by a report shared by NBS, included painting a zebra crossing near the schools.
Rotary Club president Catherine Murungi praised the media for highlighting Tibaijuka’s work.
“It was not until we saw a study done by NBS reporter Alan that we realized that Tibaijuka was doing a great job. He has been doing this for a long time, but like any other we would just pass by. NBS filed a good story of a selfless man. We decided to honor him,” Murungi said.
Overwhelmed by the recognition, Tibaijuka expressed gratitude for the acknowledgment, including messages from well-wishers abroad and a call from Bishop Jacob Ateirweho of Bunyoro Kitara Diocese.
“I didn’t know people were noticing what I do. People have called me, some from even the UK, appreciating what I do. I’m honored. Little did I know that what I was doing was being recognized. I will remain committed to helping these school-going children,” Tibaijuka said.
He added that the painted zebra crossing would help ensure children’s safety and hoped city authorities would allocate a budget to maintain it.
