The Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala has warned drivers on over speeding and reckless driving to reduce road accidents especially during this festive season.

He continued to advise people who are going in villages for Christmas to do it as early as possible to avoid rushing in the last days.

Speaking this, was at the official opening of Katonga Bridge along Masaka road which had taken almost 6 months closed for long heavy vehicles.

He said, in Government's attempt to reduce road accidents, they partnered with world health organization to reduce accidents at least by 50% by the year 2025, but this has failed more so increasing day by day to the worst of 4,000 accident deaths in a year.

Katumba pointed out the reckless drivers who don't follow road signs leading to this jeopardy but argued them to stop this such that Ugandans lives are saved.

The Minister informed the road users that this temporary new bridge will only be used for those vehicles from Kampala and the old one those from Masaka.

He requested the drivers to have road discipline,  being careful and as well as following road signs.

Kalungu RDC Paddy Kayondo thanked the Government's efforts to rehabilitate the bridge, and asked the traders that can now operate their businesses without interferences however,  requested road users to follow Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) guidelines when using the road to enable the bridge’s durability last longer.

NRM Chairman Nkozi sub county, Haji Muhamood Ssembuze with a smiling face said that they are now happy that the businesses in their sub county will rise up again since they can now transport their goods from villages to market places during this festive season. According to the Minister, this is a temporary bridge constructed for a short use but the Government has it in plan to construct a permanent on which can last for decades