The Rotary Club of Sonde has launched a road safety awareness programme targeting boda-boda riders and schoolchildren in a bid to curb the rising number of road crashes involving vulnerable road users.
The initiative comes against the backdrop of alarming road accident statistics showing that 12,084 people were involved in road crashes over the past year, leaving 5,383 injured and claiming 2,525 lives.
According to the figures, 43 percent of those who died were crossing the road, 32 percent were walking along the roadside, while 9 percent were standing by the roadside when they were struck. Boda-boda riders accounted for 55 percent of all road fatalities, underscoring the high risks faced by motorcycle operators.
The training was conducted at Misidye Church of Uganda Primary School, bringing together more than 20 boda-boda riders and pupils. Participants were equipped with knowledge on traffic regulations, responsible road use, defensive riding, and pedestrian safety.
Speaking during the training, Richard Kagolo, Chairperson of the Goma Boda-Boda Riders Association, acknowledged that indiscipline among some riders continues to contribute significantly to road crashes.
“There are still many challenges affecting our profession, including inadequate riding skills, riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs, overspeeding, and failure to observe traffic rules,” Kagolo said.
He expressed confidence that the training would help improve riders’ conduct and reduce fatalities among motorcycle operators.
“We believe this training will improve the way we use the roads and reduce the number of our colleagues who lose their lives. We have also agreed to enforce stricter discipline among riders who disregard traffic regulations,” he added.
One of the participating riders, Moses Mutyaba, commended the Rotary Club for organizing the training, saying it had equipped them with practical knowledge that would help make roads safer.
Mutyaba welcomed proposals to establish designated safe waiting areas for children before crossing roads and appealed for the installation of more zebra crossings in busy areas. He also urged passengers to remain vigilant and encourage riders to observe traffic rules.
The President of the Rotary Club of Sonde, David Nsalasata, said the programme was intended to promote a culture of responsible road use through education.
“We have realized there is a great need to educate people about proper road use and the meaning of traffic signs. However, knowledge alone is not enough; it must be put into practice,” Nsalasata said.
He noted that special attention was being given to riders who transport schoolchildren, emphasizing that improving their road safety skills could significantly reduce accidents involving learners.
Nsalasata also appealed to parents to prioritize the safety of their children by engaging licensed and disciplined boda-boda riders or, where possible, using dedicated school transport.
The Head Teacher of Misidye Church of Uganda Primary School, Meseach Mutesasira, welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely given the dangers pupils face while travelling to and from school.
She revealed that one of the school’s pupils had recently been involved in a road accident and expressed concern over speeding motorists along the busy Bukerere Road.
“We need greater vigilance on Bukerere Road, where vehicles move at high speed while our children have to cross. We appeal to the relevant authorities to install zebra crossings and speed humps, and to ensure traffic police regularly enforce road safety measures,” Mutesasira said.
Pupils who participated in the training, led by Shamusha Kawuma, identified several risky behaviours they commonly observe among boda-boda riders, including using mobile phones while riding, reckless speeding, impatience, riding under the influence of alcohol, and verbally abusing pedestrians.
The Rotary Club of Sonde says it hopes the programme will contribute to reducing road crashes through continuous public education, improved road infrastructure, and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations.
Stakeholders also called for stronger collaboration among parents, schools, boda-boda operators, and government agencies to improve road safety and protect vulnerable road users, particularly children and motorcycle riders who remain among the most affected by road traffic accidents.
