By Aggrey Baba
Residents of Bulenga and Bulaga villages in Wakiso District, and users of the Kampala–Mityana highway are crying out to the Ministry of Works and Transport to urgently intervene and install proper road safety measures at the notorious “Mama Fina Corner,” which has now claimed at least seven lives this year alone.
Locals say the sharp bend, located between Bulenga and Bulaga on the busy highway, has become a death spot due to lack of visible speed limit signs and humps.
They report that vehicles often speed through or overtake dangerously at the corner, leading to frequent accidents.
Some community members believe that the problem started after a large mahogany tree at the corner was cut down. The tree was believed to have spiritual significance, with claims that the accidents are tied to traditional sacrifices.
While others dismiss this, they agree that the corner is long and sharp, and that without proper warning signs or speed regulation, it puts motorists and pedestrians at serious risk.
According to a traffic officer attached to one of the nearby police stations (Bulaga or Bulenga), a total of 12 people died in separate accidents at the same corner last year. The officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that police have on several occasions written to the Ministry of Works and Transport, requesting installation of humps and signage, but their calls have gone unanswered.
He noted that there’s only one hump currently in place, and it is too small and nearly flat to be effective.
Local leaders have also expressed frustration. Mr. Robert Ssegawa, the area councilor, said the situation is heartbreaking and blamed the government for what he called “negligence.” He revealed that both the area leadership and residents had previously petitioned the ministry and Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) when it was still handling the road, but their concerns were ignored.
With rising fatalities, residents are now urging authorities to act before more lives are lost. They want speed bumps, proper signage, and possibly even police presence at the corner, before what they describe as a problem long ignored turns into a national tragedy. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
