By Ben Musanje
Police have warned boda boda riders against risking their lives by crossing flooded roads, cautioning that submerged manholes, open excavations and construction hazards could turn seemingly passable routes into deadly traps.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said officers had observed riders attempting to navigate waterlogged sections despite the dangers, putting both themselves and their passengers at risk.
“Some reckless rider, you find him riding towards where everybody knows that would be a dangerous place. Then the motorcycle goes,” Rusoke said, describing the dangers posed by flooded roads.
He expressed concern over passengers who allow riders to take dangerous routes without questioning their decisions, urging them to speak up and insist on safer alternatives.
“The most astonishing thing is the passenger who cannot control this boda boda rider,” Rusoke said.
Rusoke warned that floodwaters could conceal uncovered manholes, excavations and other obstructions, particularly along roads under construction, leaving riders unable to assess the condition of the road ahead.
He also called on construction companies, property owners and other responsible parties to secure dangerous openings and ensure they are properly covered to prevent accidents.
The warning comes amid heavy rains that have caused flooding in several areas, raising concerns about the safety of motorists, pedestrians and motorcycle passengers.
Meanwhile, Traffic Police spokesperson Michael Kananura urged motorists to exercise extra caution during the rainy season, warning that slippery roads, poor visibility and reckless overtaking could increase the risk of crashes.
Kananura advised drivers to reduce their speed, maintain safe following distances and ensure their vehicles have functioning brakes, good tyres, headlights and windscreen wipers.
He also urged road users to avoid flooded sections where the depth of the water or the condition of the road is unknown, warning them not to risk crossing such areas.
“It’s important to arrive safely rather than arriving quickly,” Kananura said, encouraging motorists to stop in a safe place and wait for heavy rain to subside when visibility or road conditions become dangerous.
He further called on road users to obey instructions from traffic officers deployed to guide motorists during the rainy season.
Police also urged members of the public to report accidents promptly through official Uganda Police Force communication channels to enable officers to respond and conduct rescue operations.
The warnings come as police intensify traffic enforcement and road safety awareness campaigns ahead of the festive season, a period officials say is associated with increased road traffic and crashes.
Authorities have called on riders, motorists, passengers and other road users to exercise caution, obey traffic regulations and avoid taking unnecessary risks on flooded roads. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
