Uganda's Ministry of Works and Transport Holds Validation Workshop on Rail Transport Safety Manual Phase I
Uganda’s Ministry of Works and Transport has concluded a stakeholder validation workshop on the Final Draft of the Rail Transport Safety Manual Phase I, with recommendations from the process to be considered before the document is finalised.
The workshop brought together stakeholders from relevant institutions and organisations to examine the Final Draft, provide technical input and recommend improvements. The process focused on reviewing the proposed safety provisions, identifying areas requiring clarification and assessing whether the Manual responds to the practical safety requirements of Uganda’s rail transport sector.
Discussions were led by Bindeeba Cynthia Barbara, Assistant Commissioner, Rail Transport Regulation and Safety, who took participants through the key areas of the draft Manual. Participants submitted comments, observations and recommendations aimed at strengthening the document and ensuring that its provisions are practical, comprehensive and relevant to rail transport operations in Uganda.
The validation process also considered the accessibility and inclusivity of rail transport safety measures. The Uganda National Association of the Deaf participated in the workshop, contributing to discussions on the need to consider persons with disabilities in the development and implementation of rail safety measures.
The Ministry said inclusive safety planning is particularly relevant in rail transport, where passengers, railway workers and other members of the public interact with railway infrastructure and services in different ways.
Throughout the workshop, stakeholders reviewed the draft and proposed recommendations intended to improve its effectiveness. These comments and recommendations will now be considered as the Ministry works towards finalising the Rail Transport Safety Manual Phase I.
Closing the workshop, Evans Jjemba, Assistant Commissioner, Policy Analysis, emphasised that safety is paramount in rail transport and called for the recommendations raised during the validation process to be carefully addressed.
Jjemba also stressed the importance of ensuring that the final Manual provides a strong basis for improving rail safety and supporting effective safety practices across the sector. He commended stakeholders for their participation and technical input into the validation process.
The Ministry will now proceed with consideration of the stakeholder recommendations as it works towards finalising the Rail Transport Safety Manual Phase I.
