Deputy Speaker Directs Minister to Present Regulations for Inland and Water Transport Act

Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa has expressed concern over the lack of enforcement of the Inland and Water Transport Act, 2021 due to the absence of regulations to implement it.

During Tuesday’s plenary, Tayebwa directed the Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala, to present updated regulations to operationalize the act, emphasizing the need for safety measures on lakes to prevent accidents, especially for schoolchildren and fishermen.

Kalangala Women MP, Helen Nakimuli, urged the minister to map out dangerous areas on the lakes and establish clear signposts to prevent accidents, particularly during seasons with strong winds. She noted that the minister had promised to do a survey and set up these signposts but nothing has been done.

Kyamuswa County MP, Moses Kabuusu, called for the establishment of rescue centres for accident victims on lakes and urged the Ministry of Works to fulfil their promise of building rescue centres in districts and islands like Kalangala, Namayingo, Buvuma, Koome, and Mukono.

Tayebwa also urged Parliament to support the implementation of the road safety strategy during the budgeting process, noting that Uganda currently experiences an average of 12 deaths per day due to accidents.

He committed to following up on the matter and working with the Minister for Finance to provide money for the implementation of the road safety strategy.