By Nelly Otto
JINJA
A tragic train accident occurred on Wednesday, 17th September, 2025, in Jinja City, resulting in the death of Habiba Nabirye, a pedestrian who was walking on the railway line in Walukuba.
The cargo train that was carrying coils and heading from Jinja Pier to Jinja City railway station, collided with Nabirye despite the train driver, Stephen Kusaba, 48, sounding the horn excessively.
According to eyewitnesses, the victim was likely distracted by listening to music from her cellphone using a headset, which may have prevented her from hearing the train’s warning signals.
This incident highlights the critical need for pedestrians and motorists to remain vigilant and avoid distractions, particularly when near railway lines or busy roads.
The increasing use of headsets, phones, and other distractions can lead to reduced awareness and reaction times.
In Uganda, a concerning trend has emerged among the youth and women, where wearing headsets has become a fashion statement, with many individuals wearing them nearly everywhere, from office settings to on the road and in public transportation.
This practice has raised concerns about safety, as it can lead to distractions and accidents. Many young people and women can be seen following social media platforms like TikTok or YouTube while walking or traveling, oblivious to their surroundings.
The Kiira Regional Police publicist, SP James Mubi, emphasized the importance of staying focused and aware while moving near railway lines or highways.
“…As a way of enhancing railway and other transport safety protocols, the public is hereby cautioned to always maintain focus and awareness while moving nearer the railway lines or highways…,” he cautioned.
Trains have limited stopping ability due to their massive weight and momentum, requiring a significant distance to come to a complete stop.
As such, trains typically have priority over other traffic, and pedestrians and drivers should yield to them.
SP Mubi further stressed that ignoring train safety can lead to devastating accidents, injuries, and fatalities. He urged the public to understand and respect train safety protocols to prevent such incidents.
The Jinja traffic police have launched an investigation into the incident and are gathering witness statements. Nabirye’s body was laid to rest after a post-mortem examination.
As the investigation continues, the importance of discipline and focus in preventing accidents cannot be overstated. The public is reminded that trains have right of way due to their size, speed, and limited ability to stop quickly.
Pedestrians, boda-boda motorists, cars, and bicycles are expected to yield to trains and allow them to pass safely. When an accident occurs, the consequences can be severe, resulting in serious injuries or fatalities and impacting families, communities, and the environment.
In the event of a train accident, liability and responsibility may be determined based on factors such as negligence, right of way, and safety protocols.
By prioritizing discipline and focus, safety experts say individuals can significantly reduce their risk of being involved in accidents. Putting away distractions and staying alert, especially in areas with heavy machinery and traffic, is crucial for safety.
The incident has prompted authorities to reiterate the importance of adhering to railway safety protocols. The police are working to ensure that the public understands the risks associated with train travel and the importance of taking necessary precautions.
What You Need To Know:
Uganda’s railway system has been non-operational for several years, but plans are underway to revive it, which has raised concerns about potential fatalities due to the public’s limited understanding of rail transport.
The current generation’s (so-called Gen Z) complacency and tendency to take risks, such as walking on railway lines while listening to music or consuming alcohol at night, further exacerbate these concerns.
As Uganda’s railway system prepares for revival, concerns about safety have grown.
With the introduction of the fast-speed Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), there is a likelihood of more accidents occurring due to the public’s lack of awareness and understanding of rail safety protocols.
Pedestrian behavior, such as using railway lines as walkways and ignoring level crossing guidelines, poses a significant threat to safety. Vandalism, including theft of railway materials, also disrupts operations and creates safety hazards.
To enhance safety, public awareness campaigns are crucial to educate the public about rail safety and the importance of adhering to safety protocols.
Infrastructure upgrades, such as automated level crossings and improved lighting, can help reduce accidents. Strengthening laws and enforcement to prevent vandalism and encroachment on railway land is also essential.
The Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) is working to revive the railway system, with plans to rehabilitate existing lines, construct new lines, and improve passenger services.
The Tororo-Gulu railway line is said to be more than 50% complete, and the Kampala-Malaba meter gauge line is being improved with funding from the African Development Bank.
The Standard Gauge Railway project, valued at $3 billion, will connect Uganda to Kenya and enhance cargo transportation. URC aims to transport over 190,000 passengers daily with upgraded infrastructure and services.
The revival of Uganda’s railway system holds promise for economic growth and development, but prioritizing safety and public awareness is crucial to preventing accidents and ensuring a successful transition.
As the community mourns the loss of Habiba Nabirye, the hope is that this tragic incident will serve as a grim reminder of the importance of staying alert and focused, especially in areas with heavy machinery and traffic.
