By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa/ Umoja Standard.
Kampala, Uganda: Prudential Uganda has announced the commencement of its SAFE STEPS Phase III Road Safety campaign, aimed at promoting road safety, first aid, behavioral change, and awareness. The campaign, funded by Prudence Foundation, the community investment arm of Prudential in Africa and Asia, is implemented by the Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS).
Since its inception in 2022, the SAFE STEPS Road Safety Campaign has trained over 12,000 boda-boda riders in Kampala Metropolitan Area, Mityana, Masaka, Mbale, and Mbarara districts. The latest phase targets to train an additional 6,000 first community responders, bringing the total to 18,000.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1.19 million people die annually due to road traffic crashes. Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5–29 years. Moreover, 92% of the world’s fatalities on the roads occur in low- and middle-income countries.
Tetteh Ayitevie, Prudential Uganda’s Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainability and delivering real-time impact. “We believe that as a life and health insurer, we have a responsibility that extends beyond providing financial protection – we are also custodians of public safety and well-being.”
Tetteh Ayitevie, Prudential Uganda’s Chief Executive Officer.
Hon. Gen Katumba Wamala, Minister of Works and Transport who was the Guest of Honour, pledged to mobilize more partners to join the road safety drive. He highlighted the Ministry’s plan to introduce safe zones for schools, hospitals, and churches to enforce road safety.
Hon. Gen Katumba Wamala, Minister of Works and Transport
Uganda Red Cross Society’s Secretary General, Kwesiga Robert, heaped praises at Prudential Uganda for sustaining the road safety initiative. He emphasized the urgent need for sustained road safety education and sensitization efforts to reduce accidents and save lives.
Robert Kwesiga, Uganda Red Cross Society’s Secretary General.
ASP Kananura Michael, Spokesperson, Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, acknowledged the alarming increase in road traffic deaths, with a 7% rise in 2024 compared to 2023. He urged all road users to pay extra attention to road safety signs and avoid over speeding.
The SAFE STEPS Phase III campaign has expanded to Arua and maintained trainings in Kampala Metropolitan Area, Mbale, and Masaka. As part of the initiative, boda-boda riders have received reflector jackets, certificates, and helmets to promote visibility and protection.
The campaign’s goal aligns with the United Nations’ ambitious target of halving the global number of deaths and injuries from road traffic crashes by 2030.