Eserie Namuswe a resident of Kevina Nsambya has been crossing the Katwe pedestrian bridge with her two sons frequently for a number of years. Although she is happy about the demolition of the pedestrian bridge to pave way for the new steel deck, she feels KCCA must rebuild it very quickly. “One time I was crossing this road and there was an accident, it involved a parent and the kid. They wanted to cross but of course, I think the kid feared and at the end of it all she had to run back and one car was coming and another one is coming, so the parent wanted to rescue the kid and eventually one of the speeding cars hit them.” Said, Eserie Namuswe – Resident, Kevina.
Other road users who witnessed the demolition believe Queen’s way which had become a death trap for those attempting to cross. “We were told that there was a ghost that kills people every month on this road. But I think the accidents are caused by the narrow road.” Said, Moses Mukasa – Kisekka Mechanic. “This bridge has been in bad shape and it has caused many accidents among students and up here and the lower side we have schools.” Said, Paddy Kiggundu – Chairperson, Katwe Zone. The Katwe pedestrian footbridge over here has lasted for over 15 years a period long enough for it to depreciate. Now it’s demolition is a measure by KCCA to introduce pedestrian safety.
KCCA Executive Director Jennifer Musisi said KCCA was working with a private partner to have a new bridge constructed. The construction of the new bridge is likely to take more than 2 months. “…to have accidents so we just appealing to the public as well and the community using this bridge, they should be careful as they cross over so that we don’t have accidents. But we are going to restore the bridge as soon as possible, we are mobilizing the funding and we are also working with a private partner to see that it is achieved as soon as possible.” Said, Jennifer Musisi – Executive Director, KCCA. According to KCCA, many road users have failed to respect zebra crossings and the bridges are part of the measures to prevent accidents. Other areas in which KCCA expects to construct pedestrian bridges include around the Uganda Management Institute along Jinja road, Makerere Hill road and around GAME Lugogo at the Kyadondo Rugby Grounds.
