Day Six: It was hard, but beautiful
By Joe Walker
Today’s episode of #JoeWalker Kampala to Gulu road safety awareness walk was hard but beautiful.
The body struggled to get up, and the last few kilometres to Kigumba (today’s rest point) were a drag. The legs felt heavy.
But what a beautiful start! My best friend Ethan Musolini threw us a surprise…he joined us on the road straight from Kampala as early as 6am. He left Kampala at 3am. We enjoyed watching the brilliant sunrise over River Kafu, had a crazy photo shoot, and off we continued on our trek towards Kigumba.
My best friend Ethan Musolini threw us a surprise
Soon after Kibangya, you will notice many cracks on the road surface; some are growing into potholes, others have just been sealed. This goes all the way to Kiryadongo District border. I think this stretch needs some real works to improve the road and eliminate those bumps that are a danger to highway traffic.
Soon after Kibangya, you will notice many cracks on the road surface; some are growing into potholes
The traffic on this stretch is really light and also really fast. Many motorists are clearly driving beyond the speed limit of 80km/hr.
You can also clearly see drivers flash lights at each other to warn of the presence of traffic police on the road. Guys are “driving police” not according to safety regulations but to go past the traffic check point smoothly. But that’s a threat to your life and other road users. If you follow the numerous road signs, the maximum speed is 80kmph. There are many school zones and urban centres which require you to drive at much lower speeds (30kmph) to ensure everyone’s safety.
Here’s how we can sort out these problems:.
1. The police can’t be everywhere, why are we not rolling out an automated system of speed cameras to deal with errant drivers?
2. We need someone to be bold enough to deal with drivers of government cars. These people are a danger unto themselves. And given that the population looks at them as role models, it doesn’t help to have reckless behaviour from them. Some one needs to get the grit to indiscriminately enforce the law.
3. This business of calling everyone you know or who you think is well placed because you have been stopped for breaking the rules must stop. It breeds impunity on the road and promotes reckless behaviour.
4. The Ministry of works needs to review the road signs so that they are in tune with the new regulations. If they arrest anyone driving at 100kmph on Gulu highway around Kiryandongo, who’s in the wrong?
As for the boda riders and trucks’ dangerous loading… let me get some rest and prepare for another day of walking. We’ll talk more tomorrow.
