Concerns raised after kakise bus overturns on aromi-abarikori road

30 April 2025, 10:49 am

By Sarah Ejang

In an unfortunate turn of events, a Kakise bus travelling from Namasale via Aromi–Abarikori to Soroti City lost control and overturned early on the morning of Tuesday, 29th April 2025, at approximately 6:00 a.m.

The incident occurred near the Obonge Etom swamp in Acapa Village, within Agikdak Sub-county, as the vehicle was en route to Soroti City on its regular route.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the passengers, but the event has sparked serious concern among residents and regular travellers.

The narrowness of the Aromi–Abarikori road has long been a point of frustration for local drivers, and the incident has reignited debate about the dangers posed by the road’s compromised width.

Recent rehabilitation work on the road has come under scrutiny, with locals citing poor rolling techniques that have further reduced the usable width, making it difficult for two vehicles to pass safely.

Eyewitnesses to the overturning, many of whom were on their way to the weekly Ochero market, described the frightening moment when the bus lost traction and toppled.

Local residents attribute the mishap to substandard construction practices, particularly pointing out the use of poor-quality marrum during the recent repairs.

“This is not just an accident waiting to happen—it’s a wake-up call,” said one local merchant who witnessed the incident. “We’ve been raising concerns about this road for months, but no one seems to listen until something serious occurs.”

As the community grapples with the aftermath of this alarming event, calls for improved road safety measures and greater accountability for construction standards are growing louder.

Residents are urging local authorities to conduct thorough inspections and to enforce stricter guidelines to ensure the safety of all who travel the Aromi–Abarikori road.

With this close call behind them, attention now turns to preventing future accidents, as locals and commuters alike await firm action from the relevant authorities.