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Kitgum RDC orders inspection of vehicles transporting Owino market vendors

11 September 2024, 5:25 pm

RDC kitgum District Mr. Ebil Jimmy Ssegawa standing.

By Otim Moses Arapmoi

The Kitgum Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mr. Ebil Jimmy Ssegawa, has directed the Kitgum District Officer in Charge of Traffic Police to invite the Inspector of Vehicles (IOV) within one month to inspect vehicles that transport Owino Market vendors to the different open markets, commonly referred to as auctions.

Mr. Ebil issued the directive on Sunday while meeting with the Owino market vendors, transporters, the police traffic and road safety department and local leaders to find lasting solutions to the rampant accidents involving the market vendors. He revealed during the meeting that was held at Christ the King Social Center, that in just one month, five vehicles were involved in accidents; injuring several vendors, some of whom are still hospitalised.

Mr. Ebil blames these accidents on vehicle owners for not servicing their vehicles routinely and only focusing on profit maximisation.  

He further directed the O/C Traffic to inspect all the drivers’ licenses within one month, adding that whoever doesn’t have a valid driving license should not be allowed behind wheels, as it would be gambling with people’s lives.

Sgt. Onen Robert Bright, from the traffic and road safety department at Kitgum Central Police Station, said they will arrange for the IOV to come to Kitgum as soon as possible and urged vehicle owners to prioritise servicing their vehicles to prevent road accidents.

He also warned that they will not hesitate to direct transporters to park vehicles that are in dangerous mechanical condition.