New tough measures for errant road users

By Our Reporter

Road users will face a raft of new penalties including paying fines or doing time in jail. According to the Roads Bill 2018, those who fail to comply with a speed limit set by the Minister commit an offence and are liable, on conviction to a fine not exceeding ten thousand currency points, or imprisonment not exceeding seven years, or both.

State Minister for Works Gen. Katumba Wamala, who moved for second reading of the Bill on Tuesday, May 7, 2019, said that law is also intended to ensure safety of road users as well as deal with cases of encroachment of road reserves and improve on the road network. “There is need for stringent measures prescribed by regulations to ensure the safety of road users during construction, operation and maintenance of public roads, for example provision of pedestrian crossings, footways, overhead bridges and road furniture,” Gen Katumba Wamala said. Contributing to debate on the Roads Bill 2018, Physical Infrastructure
committee chairman Eng. Kafeero Ssekitoleko noted that while the Bill had initially proposed hefty penalties as deterrent measures against various offenses, some penalties were exorbitant and unrealistic, and would render the law hard to implement.

“The Committee therefore proposes re-alignment of penalties to maintain their prohibitiveness, but also reflect realism and
practicality,” said Kafeero Ssekitoleko. He also noted that the proposal to increase the road reserve to 40 metres will enhance the country’s development agenda. “The Committee recommends that the Roads Authority should first acquire land in accordance with Article 26 of the Constitution and thereafter reserve after acquisition,” added Kafeero Ssekitoleko. He pointed out that synchronization of the country’s national axle load control is in line with the rest of the East African Community timing.

“In addition, axle load control will help protect roads from damage and increase their lifespan and ultimately give value for money,” said Kafeero Ssekitoleko. The Bill further provides that where any damage is caused to any bridge, road furniture or road pavement, the transporter shall compensate the relevant road authority for the damage and shall be liable for any costs, charges or expenses in that respect, including any axle or gross vehicle weight overload fines payable under the law. Hon. Jonathan Odur (UPC, Erute South a) in his minority report argued that there was inadequate public consultation on the Bill.

“The committee had agreed to hold five regional consultative meetings in Western, Northern, Eastern, Central and Southern, but failed,” said Odur. He added that the committee consulted only seven stakeholders, including Ministry of Works, Uganda National Roads Authority, Road Fund, Police and Uganda Human rights settlement network, which he said were not representative of the entire country. “The committee leadership was repeatedly reminded to hold public hearings but disregarded the call. The Bill should involve countrywide consultations because it has a huge bearing on the public, if enacted,” said Odur.