The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has advised the general people to use caution when traveling on roads during the rainy season.
On November 6, 2023, UNRA published a public notification expressing preventative actions for road users through the authority’s social media platforms.
“The Uganda National Roads Authority wishes to alert the public to the safety concerns associated with the heavy rains season.” This is a wet season, according to the Uganda National Metrological Authority (UNMA), bringing flooding and landslides that continue to destroy portions of the road transport infrastructure,” UNRA stated.
As a result, UNRA recommended all road users to carefully plan their routes while avoiding heavily flooded and cut-off regions, which might lead to accidents and fatalities.
“Driving, or walking through flooded areas is not advisable as it is difficult to determine the depth and strength of the water which can result in loss of property and death,” the advisory went on to say.
The authority also stated that its technical team would continue to roll out flood hotspots, but that this will be effective only if water levels are low.
“We urge all road users to work with our regional maintenance team during these difficult times and to heed any precautionary measures, directional and safety signs that may be installed to keep themselves and their property safe at all times.”
In September 2023, UNMA recorded flash floods that impacted many regions of Kampala and wider Kampala. According to UNMA’s acting executive director, Bob Ogwang, the floods resulted in the loss of life and property.
Meanwhile, the Kafu River burst its banks 19.8 kilometers from Hoima, disrupting communication and transport from Hoima to Kampala via Kiboga.
UNRA advises motorists traveling from Kampala to Hoima to choose the Hoima-Masindi-Kafu-Luwero-Kampala road or the Hoima-Buhimba-Nalweyo-Kakumiro-Mubende-Kampala route.
However, light trucks traveling from Kampala can take the Masode-Ntwetwe-Nkooko-Nalweyo-Hoima route.
For their own safety, UNRA advised road users to avoid crossing flooded portions of the road network.
Heavy rains continue to create floods throughout eastern Africa, with scores dead over the weekend in Kenya and Ethiopia.
