In a sobering reminder of the dangers on Uganda’s roads, official statistics reveal that 12,084 people were involved in road accidents over the past year, resulting in 5,383 injuries and a tragic death toll of 2,525.
Of those who lost their lives, 43% were crossing the road, 32% were walking along the roadside, and 9% were standing by the roadside when struck. Particularly alarming is the fact that boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) riders accounted for 55% of the total fatalities, highlighting the vulnerability of this group of road users who often operate under pressure to earn a living.
In response to this escalating crisis, the Rotary Club of Sonde has taken proactive steps by organizing a special training initiative aimed at equipping boda-boda riders and schoolchildren with essential road safety knowledge and responsible practices.
The training session was held at Misidye Church of Uganda Primary School, where more than 20 boda-boda riders and students gathered to learn proper road use techniques, traffic rules, and defensive riding strategies. Organizers hope the program will contribute meaningfully to reducing the high number of accidents, especially those involving students and motorcycle operators.
Richard Kagolo, Chairman of the Goma Boda-Boda Riders Association, acknowledged the deep-rooted challenges facing riders in the profession.
“There are still many challenges faced by those in this profession, including lack of skills, riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs, reckless speeding, and failure to obey traffic rules,” Kagolo said.
He expressed optimism that the training would lead to improved practices on the roads. “This training will help us improve our road usage and reduce the number of our colleagues who die. We have agreed to enforce stricter rules on those who ride recklessly,” he added.
Moses Mutyaba, a boda-boda rider who participated in the session, thanked the Rotary Club for its intervention. He particularly welcomed plans to secure designated safe waiting spots for children before they cross roads, noting the current difficulties riders and pedestrians face.
Mutyaba also urged motorcycle passengers to remain vigilant and called for the installation of zebra crossings at key points to enhance safety.
David Nsalasata, President of the Rotary Club of Sonde, emphasized the urgent need for widespread education on road safety.
“We have realized there is a great need to educate people on the importance of proper road use and traffic signs, and we urge that these lessons be put into practice,” Nsalasata said.
He stressed the importance of the training for those transporting students. “We want to see us training these people well, especially on matters concerning road use, particularly when it comes to transporting students.”
Nsalasata appealed to parents to prioritize safety by working with licensed boda-boda riders or, where possible, opting for dedicated school vehicles to minimize risks to children.
Meseach Mutesasira, Head Teacher of Misidye Church of Uganda Primary School, expressed deep appreciation for the Rotary Club’s initiative. She highlighted the daily dangers students encounter, revealing that one of their pupils had recently been involved in a road accident.
“We need to be very vigilant on our Bukerere road, where vehicles move at high speeds while our children cross there,” Mutesasira said. She appealed to authorities to install zebra crossings, speed bumps, and to ensure traffic police actively control reckless driving in the area.
Pupils who participated, led by Shamusha Kawuma, identified several dangerous behaviors commonly contributing to accidents involving boda-boda riders. These include riding while talking on mobile phones, reckless speeding, impatience, drunkenness, and, in some cases, riders ogling or insulting pedestrians.
The Rotary Club of Sonde’s initiative comes at a critical time, as road safety remains a pressing public health and economic issue. Stakeholders hope that sustained training programs, combined with infrastructure improvements such as zebra crossings and speed bumps, along with stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, will help reverse the grim trend of road deaths and injuries.
Parents, riders, schools, and authorities are being called upon to collaborate closely to protect the most vulnerable road users, especially children and the hardworking boda-boda operators who form the backbone of local transportation.
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