By David Imaa
TORORO
Residents and leaders in Tororo District have issued a passionate call for immediate road safety interventions along the Mile 2 to Mile 5 stretch of Mbale Road, following a surge in accidents—many involving motorcycle riders and trailer trucks.
During a heated community engagement on Thursday, 11th September, 2025, John Okea, Tororo LCV Chairman directed officials from the Ministry of Works to install road humps, signage, and clear markings along the affected stretch. His directive comes after repeated accidents and what he described as “a worrying silence” from responsible authorities.
Local leaders and the business community raised red flags over the increasing number of fatalities, particularly at Mile 5, where trailers frequently park by the roadside. The District Chairperson threatened drastic action, including purchasing *tyre deflators for illegally parked trailers and using murram humps if official ones are not installed.
“We cannot continue losing lives while waiting for bureaucratic processes. If no humps are placed, we’ll make our own,” he warned.
Hajj Sadik Bategana the residents district commissioner , acknowledged the concerns and urged factories operating in the area to fulfill their corporate social responsibility by installing street lights. He also promised to deploy a traffic sensitization team to educate riders on safe practices.
Calls were made to Simba and Hima factories to consider constructing a flyover to ease traffic congestion and reduce trailer-related accidents. Oguti Padde, another local leader, criticized the low compensation offered to victims by trailer operators and demanded that factories install reflective barriers around their premises.
Obonyo Asa Wilson, popularly known as _Songa_, emphasized that roadside trailer parking remains a major contributor to the accidents. Meanwhile, Eunice Akoth, District Councillor for Mukuju Akadoit, called for swift action, stressing that “lives are at stake and delays are unacceptable.”
The community engagement ended with a unified demand for accountability, infrastructure upgrades, and stronger enforcement of traffic regulations. Residents hope that today’s dialogue will mark a turning point in the fight for safer roads in Tororo.
