By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa, Umoja Standard.
Nakawa-Kla, Uganda: The Uganda Red Cross Society, in partnership with Prudential Uganda have today marked Safe Steps Phase III Road Safety Campaign Grand Finale having equipped 18,600 boda-boda riders in road safety awareness and basic first aid since it’s inception hence safe road use and enhanced emergency response.
Secretary General of the Uganda Red Cross Society, Robert Kwesiga, stated, “We still have a long way to go to cover the whole country and so our call is other partners to join this noble cause. Prudential has done this bit, but we can do more and reach out to the rest of the country.”
The initiative aims to equip road users with skills in first aid, road safety, and compliance with road safety standards.
Kwesiga emphasized the importance of ensuring that roads become safer, riders are skilled to drive safely, and lives are saved in situations where accidents happen.
Peter Mugarura, who represented CEO Prudential Uganda, stated that the program has been crucial in addressing the high number of road accidents in Uganda. “Globally, road safety remains a serious challenge, with 1.19 million people losing their lives to road safety-related matters every year,” he said.
In Uganda, the situation is particularly dire, with a 2.4% rise in road crashes in 2024, resulting in 25,110 cases registered by the Uganda police. Mugarura attributed this to overtaking and speeding, which contribute to nearly half of these cases.
Prudential Uganda is committed to promoting road safety and community resilience. “We do more than providing insurance. We equip communities with life-saving skills, raise awareness, and foster safer habits on our roads,” said Mugarura.
The Traffic Police has expressed concern over the high number of motorcycle riders and pedestrians dying on Uganda’s roads. According to statistics, motorcyclists and their passengers are the majority of those killed in road crashes, with weekly statistics showing a high number of riders and their passengers involved in accidents.
In his remarks, SP Michael Kananura, the Spokesperson Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety at Uganda Police realized that in most cases when there are crashes, the first respondents are riders, so when they get there and they don’t know what to do, then really we shall still lose lives.
Kananura urged riders to pass on the information to their colleagues and emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring road safety. He also condemned the behavior of people who take photos and videos of accident victims instead of helping, saying it is wrong and must stop.
“Road safety is a collective responsibility, we have to join hands and do what is right on the roads,” Kananura said, urging the public to report reckless drivers and prioritize safety.
On her part, Assistant Commissioner, Railway Transport, Regulation and Safety, Mrs. Bindeeba Babrah Cynthia, stated that the government is working to create dedicated lanes for boda riders, pedestrians, and other modes of transport.
“Most of the accidents have been caused by how the roads have been designed. We have not provided dedicated lanes for boda riders or pedestrians, but we are trying to redesign and put some provision for walkways and dedicated lanes for border riders, Mrs. Cynthia said.
The Ministry is planning to introduce dedicated lanes for different modes of transport within the next 5-10 years. In the meantime, the Ministry is urging boda riders to use the available space safely and follow traffic rules.
Mrs. Cynthia observed the importance of wearing helmets and not carrying more than one passenger.
The Ministry is also urging the public to change their behavior and help save lives in the event of an accident. “You have seen where someone is involved in an accident, but then we are stealing from that person instead of helping, capturing videos to share on social media instead of saving their life, Mrs. Cynthia stressed.
Partners, including the Uganda Red Cross Society and Prudential Uganda, urge collective responsibility and call for more partners to join the initiative. With road safety a pressing concern globally and nationally, stakeholders emphasize the importance of safe road use, emergency response, and adherence to traffic rules to save lives and promote community resilience.
