URC Announces Automated Railway Barriers After Fatal Mukono Train Crash
The Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) has announced a series of major safety measures, including the installation of automated railway barriers, following Friday’s deadly collision between a passenger train and a school bus in Mukono District.
The tragic accident claimed the life of a teacher and left dozens of Mwebaza High School students injured, prompting the Ministry of Works and Transport to order a nationwide review of railway crossing and road safety.
Automated Barriers to Be Installed at High-Risk Railway Crossings
In a statement issued on Friday evening, URC revealed that procurement of safety equipment for high-risk railway crossings is already at an advanced stage.
The corporation said automated safety systems will be installed at railway level crossings in Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono.
The new infrastructure will include:
- Automated boom barriers
- Flashing warning lights
- Audible alarms
- Automatic gate closures whenever a train approaches
According to URC, the project is aimed at significantly reducing accidents at some of Uganda’s busiest railway crossings.
More Personnel to Guard Railway Crossings
As authorities work toward completing the automated barrier project, URC announced immediate temporary measures to enhance public safety.
The corporation said additional personnel will be deployed at railway crossings across the country to help regulate traffic and improve compliance with railway safety procedures.
URC also disclosed that it is collaborating with the Ministry of Works and Transport to introduce further road safety improvements.
“Working with the Ministry of Works and Transport, humps will also be constructed on highway approaches to selected level crossings to reduce vehicle speed,” the corporation said.
Government Orders Nationwide Railway Safety Audit
The announcement came just hours after Works and Transport Minister Fred Byamukama directed his ministry to conduct a nationwide assessment of railway crossings and accident-prone roads.
Expressing sorrow over the Mukono tragedy, the minister extended condolences to the bereaved family and wished the injured students a speedy recovery.
He said the latest crash, coming only days after another fatal accident at Bobi along the Kampala–Gulu Highway, highlights the urgent need for stronger road safety measures.
Byamukama attributed many road crashes to reckless driving, speeding and failure by motorists to obey traffic regulations.
He directed the ministry to work with URC, the Uganda Police Force, and other relevant agencies to:
- Conduct a nationwide safety audit of railway crossings
- Review school transport safety standards
- Improve road signage and warning systems
- Strengthen traffic law enforcement
- Intensify public road safety awareness campaigns
How the Mukono Train Crash Happened
The fatal collision occurred at approximately 6:00 a.m. at the Namumira railway crossing in Mukono Municipality.
A passenger train travelling from Mukono to Kampala collided with a Friendship Company bus carrying more than 70 students and teachers from Mwebaza High School, who were travelling to Jinja for an educational study tour.
The crash killed one teacher and left several students with injuries. Those critically hurt were rushed to Mukono General Hospital for emergency treatment.
Conflicting Accounts Over the Cause of the Crash
URC spokesperson John Lenon Sengendo said preliminary investigations indicate that the bus driver entered the railway crossing despite being signaled to stop by a police officer stationed at the crossing.
He added that the train crew repeatedly sounded the horn while approaching the crossing, but the bus continued onto the railway line before being struck.
However, residents and eyewitnesses disputed that account, arguing that inadequate railway safety infrastructure and poor visibility contributed to the collision.
Locals said trucks frequently parked close to the railway line obstruct motorists’ view of approaching trains, making the Namumira crossing particularly dangerous.
Safety Improvements Expected Across Uganda
The planned installation of automated railway barriers, speed-control humps, and enhanced warning systems is expected to improve safety at several high-risk railway crossings across Uganda.
Authorities say the measures form part of a broader strategy to reduce road and rail accidents, strengthen school transport safety, and prevent future tragedies similar to the deadly Mukono train crash.
