Rogers Wanale, a resident of Busolwe in Uganda’s eastern district of Mbale, survived a road crash that cost him his left leg. He recalls the incident, involving a vehicle and a motorcycle, at a roundabout along the Mbale-Tororo Road. Due to vendors occupying the pavement, Wanale had to walk close to the road’s edge, resulting in severe injuries.
Wanale’s experience reflects a growing concern among Mbale’s residents, particularly pedestrians. The city’s paved sidewalks have been overrun by vendors, compromising the safety of road users.
Sheila Nandudu, another victim, suffered head injuries after being knocked down by a car on Republic Street. She fell onto sharp merchandise displayed on the pavement by a hardware operator.
Residents like Wanale and Nandudu are now expressing frustration as they witness the gradual disappearance of safe pedestrian pathways in the city.
The situation is exacerbated by the encroachment of vendors onto sidewalks, limiting space for pedestrians and increasing the risk of accidents.
John Odar, a road engineer, has emphasized the importance of clear roadways in preventing accidents. However, the obstruction caused by businesses and parked vehicles hampers visibility and decision-making for drivers and pedestrians alike.
Pavement-related crashes are not unique to Mbale; similar incidents occur across the country. While drivers often bear the blame for accidents, poorly managed pavements can also contribute to road crashes.
Mbale’s streets paint a grim picture of cracked pavements, converted into makeshift markets, restaurants, and sleeping areas for the homeless. Such encroachments further endanger pedestrians and exacerbate road safety challenges.
The plight of pedestrians is underscored by the tragic loss of lives, such as Jean Odia’s friend, who was killed in a pavement crash involving a reckless motorcycle rider.
Uganda’s Ministry of Health has particularly highlighted the vulnerability of children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities due to pavement mismanagement.
The misuse of pavements contradicts efforts to promote safer roads under the UN’s Decade of Action for Road Safety. However, enforcement remains a challenge, with local authorities facing resistance from politically connected vendors.
Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, the Minister of Works and Transport, has acknowledged the severity of the issue and has pledged action to reclaim pavements for pedestrians’ safety.
He said authorities have initiated measures to remove illegal structures and vendors from pavements, aiming to restore order and improve road safety.
Despite these efforts, challenges are persisting, and the community has been informed to remain vigilant as they navigate the perilous streets of Mbale.
