Uganda Railways Plans Automated Barriers at High-Risk Crossings After Fatal Bus Crash

The Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) has committed to installing automated barrier systems at railway level crossings in Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono. This decision follows a fatal collision last Friday involving a passenger train and a school bus that resulted in the death of a teacher and injuries to several students.

The upcoming infrastructure installations will feature boom gates, flashing warning lights, and audible alarms. These systems are designed to activate automatically whenever a train approaches a crossing to prevent unauthorized vehicle entry. Procurement for this safety equipment is already at an advanced stage as part of a wider effort to minimize accidents across the network.

While awaiting the full implementation of these automated systems, the URC is deploying additional personnel to manually guard all active level crossings. This interim measure is intended to provide immediate oversight at high-risk locations and manage traffic flow effectively.

The URC is also collaborating with the Ministry of Works and Transport to construct speed humps on highway approaches to selected level crossings. These physical barriers aim to force motorists to reduce their speed before reaching the railway tracks, thereby increasing the time available for drivers to notice warning signals.

The Friday crash occurred at the Namumira railway crossing in Mukono Municipality when a bus carrying students from Mwebaza High School was hit by a train travelling from Mukono to Kampala. Preliminary findings released by the URC suggest the bus driver proceeded onto the tracks despite being signaled to stop by a police officer stationed at the crossing.

Public scrutiny regarding the adequacy of existing safety measures has intensified in the wake of the incident. Residents and road safety advocates have expressed concerns that basic engineering controls, such as visible warning signs and physical barriers, are often absent at busy crossing points.

In response, the Minister of Works and Transport, Fred Byamukama, has directed his ministry to work with the URC and the Uganda Police Force to conduct a nationwide safety audit of railway crossings. This directive includes a mandate to review school transport safety standards, strengthen enforcement of existing traffic laws, and improve overall signage.

The URC maintains that infrastructure alone cannot entirely eliminate the risk of collisions if motorists fail to comply with safety regulations. According to company officials, investigations into previous incidents frequently point to reckless driving or attempts to bypass warning systems.

Despite this, the corporation is moving forward with the procurement of safety technology under a five-year railway modernization program. This initiative is supported by a loan from the African Development Bank (AfDB) that was previously approved by Parliament.

Authorities have emphasized that trains carry the right of way at all level crossings due to their inability to stop quickly or maneuver away from obstacles. The URC continues to urge motorists to remain vigilant and strictly observe all railway signaling and traffic personnel instructions.