Address impunity on our roads
I have witnessed instances where some motorists refused to be bullied by certain government vehicles that are not entitled to the right of way. FILE PHOTO
What you need to know:
- It has now become the new normal to witness incidents of vehicles whose occupants claim to have the right of way in a forceful and aggressive manner in total disregard to the law and other road users. Such incidents reign where impunity in the system is the order of the day.
Over the years, road users in Uganda have acquiesced to their shabby treatment without asking the question: “Who is entitled to the right of way in Uganda?”
This question is pertinent given the fact that various people have continued to claim the right of way on Ugandan roads. They include the President, pastors, traditional leaders, Cabinet ministers and private individuals who are friends of those with access to the levers of power.
Section 123(5) of The Traffic and Road Safety Act makes it explicit that “emergency motor vehicles” such as police cars, fire brigade, ambulance and military vehicles have a right of way.
Under Regulation 5(2) of the Traffic and Road Safety (Rules of the Road) Regulations, 2004, the vehicles of the President, vice president, Chief Justice, Speaker of Parliament or the prime minister too have a right of way.
Suffice to say some individuals not explicitly provided for under the law, can be granted permission by the Inspector General of Police if it is deemed necessary.
However, it has now become the new normal to witness incidents of vehicles whose occupants claim to have the right of way in a forceful and aggressive manner in total disregard to the law and other road users. Such incidents reign where impunity in the system is the order of the day.
Interestingly, most of the motorists that are involved in this habit drive government vehicles with red number plates, giving an impression that every government vehicle has a right of way. Ironically, these are government officials who should be the custodians of the law and should know better.
In Uganda, we shall always be good at drafting laws, but as long as impunity continues to reign unabated, the rhetoric of our leaders to preside over functional systems will continue to be a dream for the future.
I have witnessed instances where some motorists refused to be bullied by certain government vehicles that are not entitled to the right of way, and interestingly the culprits have caved in. Such small acts can raise public consciousness and restore some sanity in the system.
As Sudanese born philanthropist, Mo Ibrahim presciently noted: “Rule of law is the most important element in any civil society.”
To ignore Mo’s advice would be a one-way ticket to avoidable anarchy and carnage on our roads.
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