By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa/Umoja Standard.
Kampala, Uganda: The Uganda Red Cross Society in collaboration with Prudential Uganda has reported significant success in its partnership with the Boda Boda community in Uganda, aimed at promoting road safety and first aid training.
According to Robert Kwesiga the Secretary General of the Society, the initiative has received positive testimonials from both the boda boda riders and the public, indicating a substantial impact on the delivery of first aid care at accident scenes.
Robert Kwesiga, Secretary General Uganda Red Cross Society.
He says, the program’s objective is to establish a consistent partnership with the Boda Boda community, providing continuous training and building a core group of safety-conscious individuals who can influence their colleagues.
By emphasizing the importance of road safety and the highway code, the initiative aims to increase the number of trained individuals (which is now 12,000 across Kampala and Metropolitan Areas in addition to Mbarara, Masaka, Mbale and Mityana Districts for both phases with 8,000 equiped in Phase II only) and promote a culture of safety among Boda Boda operators.
While responding to concerns about insurance companies hesitating to insure Boda Boda operators due to high risks, Tetteh Ayitevie, the Chief Executive Officer of Prudential Uganda noted that they partnered with Red Cross which is focusing on building the skills and capacity of these individuals to live a safe life.
(Middle) Tetteh Ayitevie, Chief Executive Officer Prudential Uganda.
He stressed that Prudential Uganda offers tailored insurance products like Hospital Sente, developed in partnership with Airtel, which cater for specific needs of the Boda Boda community.
To him, this approach enables the Red Cross to support the community while promoting financial inclusion and sustainability.
The grand finale of the SAFE STEPS Phase II that took place at Nakawa Vocational Training College was graced by Superintendent of Police Moses Kananura from the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety stressed that over 90 percent of road fatalities are caused by human there by calling for discipline while using roads.
He lauded boda boda riders for passionately being first responded in case of accidents and asked them to keep the candle burning however he warned some bad elements within their community who use accident scenes for looting victims.
On his part, he thought Red Cross and Prudential Uganda to include Traffic Officers in skills training citing that not all of them do not have basic first aid skills.
Alex Ogwal from Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development (MGLSD) noted that usually as the sun rises over the bustling streets allover Uganda, boda boda riders prepare for another day of navigating through the crowded roads and among them is a group of riders who have received training from the Red Cross on road safety and first aid but believes that training alone is not enough there by emphasizing the importance of administrative controls, ensuring that all riders wear protective gear, including helmets, reflector jackets, boots, and overalls.
Boda Boda Rider Testifies SAFE STEPS Training Impact.
One of the boda boda beneficially recalls the training they received from the Red Cross, where they learned about the importance of safety measures and emergency response. But he knows that it’s not just about knowledge – it’s about practice and enforcement.
As the day goes on, he notices some riders neglecting to wear their protective gear. He pulls them aside, reminding them of the risks and the importance of safety. Slowly but surely, the riders begin to take ownership of their safety, and the leader’s efforts start to pay off.
The road, once a hazardous workplace, begins to transform into a safer environment. The leader’s dedication to administrative controls has made a significant impact, and he hopes to inspire other leaders to do the same.
Together, they can create a safer, more responsible boda boda community, where riders can work without fear of injury or harm.
The Red Cross-Prudential partnership reaffirm commitment to the Boda Boda community, recognizing their crucial role in delivering safe transportation in Uganda.
The partnership is set to continue, with the Red Cross and Prudential Uganda dedicated to supporting the community through skills development and insurance products that address their unique needs.