The Ministry of Works and Transport has concluded a validation workshop to review the Final Draft of the Rail Transport Safety Manual Phase I, an important step towards strengthening safety standards, practices and regulatory guidance within Uganda’s rail transport sector.
The workshop brought together stakeholders from relevant institutions and organizations to examine the contents of the Final Draft, provide technical input and make recommendations for improvement before the Manual is finalized. The validation process provided a platform for stakeholders to review the proposed safety provisions, identify areas that require clarification and ensure that the Manual responds to the practical safety requirements of Uganda’s rail transport sector.
The discussions were led by Bindeeba Cynthia Barbara, Assistant Commissioner, Rail Transport Regulation and Safety, who guided participants through the key areas of the draft Manual. Participants actively engaged in the discussions, sharing 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 workshop also highlighted the importance of ensuring that rail transport safety measures are inclusive and accessible to all members of the public. Among the stakeholders who participated was the Uganda National Association of the Deaf (UNAD), whose involvement provided an important perspective on the need to consider persons with disabilities in the development and implementation of rail safety measures.
The participation of UNAD and other stakeholders reflects the Ministry’s commitment to promoting safety measures that respond to the needs of every Ugandan. Inclusive safety planning is particularly important 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 to enhance its effectiveness. The comments and recommendations received will be considered in the finalization of the Rail Transport Safety Manual Phase I, ensuring that the document provides clear and practical guidance for improving safety within the rail transport sector.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Evans Jjemba, Assistant Commissioner, Policy Analysis, emphasized that safety is paramount in rail transport and called for the recommendations raised during the validation process to be carefully addressed.
Mr. Jjemba noted the importance of ensuring that the final Manual provides a strong basis for enhancing rail safety and supporting effective safety practices across the sector. He commended the stakeholders for their participation and contributions to the validation process, noting that their technical input is important in strengthening the final document.
The conclusion of the validation workshop marks another step in the Ministry’s efforts to promote a safer, more inclusive and better-regulated rail transport system in Uganda. The Ministry will proceed with consideration of the stakeholder recommendations as it works towards finalizing the Rail Transport Safety Manual Phase I.