Racing trucks and an accident on day two
On Day Two, Joe Walker and friends witness an accident happen and vehicles racing with no concern for other road users.
Today the Kampala to Hoima road safety walk lifted off from Kakiri at 7am.
As we hit the road, my mind kept going back to the words of Rev. Benoni Magarura aka Uncle Ben: “If we all exercise patience with each other on the road, we will increase our chances of getting home safe.”
Uncle Ben, the former Chaplain of Makerere University, met us at Kayunga Wakiso. He is a victim of a road crash in which he suffered multiple broken bones and wounds that he nursed for two and a half years.
As we entered Kakiri town, 2 speeding Sino trucks were turning into the road we were coming from and boy were they flying regardless of other road users. It reminded me of what Boda Boda riders told us yesterday, and what other motorists were complaining about.
The issue of speeding motorists and reckless overtaking seems to be the major sickness of motorists on this road. The whole stretch between Kakiri and Busunju seems to be a race to no return. Slow down guys, the few seconds you save are not worth your life.
This scenario played out live before our eyes as we entered Namayumba town. A rushing priest traveling with school children was getting onto the road without checking his surroundings and he rammed into a Boda Boda, sweeping the rider onto the bonnet. Next thing we saw, the boda rider was being rushed to the hospital. I pray he makes it.
Who will save us from ourselves and these hazards on the road? The Police seem frustrated by political interference in their enforcement work. Guys, it’s time to walk the talk: drive carefully, take care of other road users, and stop interfering with the police as they do their work.
Day two of the Kampala to Hoima walk has seen us dock in Kikandwa. The team is generally in good spirits. Some members have picked up blisters on their feet, but our resident doctor is doing his magic and we are trusting God for the best.
It’s camping night!!!
