PRIMA

Police have cautioned the public from taking shelter under temporary structures during heavy downpours.

The Kampala Metropolitan deputy police spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigire noted that at least 5 billboards in the Nansana division are seen to have fallen yesterday, Sunday during the heavy downpour.

He said that investigations are underway following the fall of a billboard that crashed a 17-year-old girl, who had taken shelter in a nearby vehicle during a heavy downpour.

The rainy season has continuously been noted to be a season of destruction as several infrastructures including buildings, and roads, among others are destroyed. 

Addressing journalists at police headquarters today, Kampala Metropolitan deputy police spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire, recounted the unfortunate circumstances under which a 17-year-old, Mildred Najjemba was crashed by a billboard that fell on the vehicle parked at a police compound in Lubigi, in which she and another survivor took shelter during the heavy downpour yesterday afternoon.

Owoyesigyire said that police have started looking for the billboard owners after at least five billboards fell due to the rains yesterday afternoon in the Nansana division.

The Kampala Metropolitan deputy police spokesperson advised the public to take shelter under permanent structures because they are safer.

Meanwhile, in a space of only one week, traffic police registered 381 road crashes, 358 victims: 71 deaths, and 287 injuries due to continued road regulations abuse.

The Traffic police spokesperson, SP Michael Kananura has announced that starting this week, they will be conducting operations on the search for emergency warning signs/reflectors in all vehicles in a bid to help reduce road accidents.

Kananura tipped drivers on safety precautions they can observe during the rains, including driving with deemed headlights, parking or slowing down if there is poor visibility, and also ensuring the car tyres are in good condition and not worn out.