MPIGI — Residents of Mpambire Village in Mpigi District have called for urgent government intervention and stricter traffic enforcement against drivers of heavy commercial trucks, accusing them of reckless driving and causing repeated accidents along the Kampala–Masaka Highway.
Their concerns follow a serious road crash at Nakyetema today, where a trailer transporting fertiliser from Kenya to Rwanda reportedly lost control, veered off the road and struck a roadside area, injuring a resident whose leg was later amputated due to the severity of the injuries.
The Kampala–Masaka Highway remains one of Uganda’s busiest transport corridors, linking the country to regional trade routes and carrying heavy volumes of cargo traffic, including international freight trucks.
However, the highway has also become a hotspot for frequent and often fatal accidents, with residents and local leaders blaming the situation on speeding heavy trucks, narrow road sections, sharp bends and poor weather conditions during rainy seasons.
Witnesses said the trailer, registration number ZD 0842, was travelling from Kampala towards Masaka carrying fertilizer destined for Rwanda when the driver reportedly lost control.
The incident occurred after an earlier roadside breakdown involving a banana truck, which had stopped for repairs.
Residents said the trailer swerved while trying to avoid vehicles involved in the earlier situation and struck a man who was assisting in the repairs.
According to eyewitness accounts, the victim was part of a group of mechanics attending to the broken-down vehicle when he was hit.
Mpambire residents described the situation as a pattern of dangerous driving behaviour by truck operators along the highway.
“Many of these truck drivers behave as if they are the only road users. They drive at high speeds and endanger the lives of other people. We have lost many residents because of their recklessness,” residents said.
They further argued that the highway is increasingly overstretched, calling for its expansion and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations to match the growing volume of heavy cargo transport.
Mpigi Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Shads Mwanje said authorities would intensify operations targeting drivers who violate traffic rules.
“We have repeatedly advised drivers of heavy trucks to obey traffic laws, but many continue to ignore the guidelines. Some of them travel long distances and drive while tired. We are now going to strengthen enforcement measures to ensure compliance and reduce accidents,” Mwanje said.
By press time, residents remained at the scene as emergency response teams continued recovery efforts. The injured victim had been referred to Mulago National Referral Hospital for specialized treatment.
Authorities say investigations into the exact circumstances of the crash are ongoing.