Entebbe boda boda riders sensitized on road safety
Rotary Club of Entebbe Base have launched the Boda boda Safety campaign to curb the increasing number of road accidents.
The motorists converged at Katabi town council offices in Entebbe to acquire knowledge from the road safety enforcers.
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While sensitizing riders, Entebbe traffic commander ASP Wycliffe Tumwesigye, appealed to the road users to ensure safety of their lives and the lives of passengers while on the road.
He cautioned riders to desist from involvement in criminal acts but adhere to traffic laws.
“Entebbe road is a highway, put on a helmet, do not cross in the middle of the road but rather go through a designated area. Have your permits and do not over speed because you are putting the passengers at risk” ASP Wycliffe stated.
The OC traffic lauded the riders for the cooperation and unity exhibited especially in Entebbe that has led to the crackdown of criminality across the area.
“I emphasize that as boda boda riders, they need to also embrace government programs such as Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga as a way of empowering themselves socially and economically “OC Traffic emphasized.
He added that “boda boda riders are fond of unlawfully crossing highway roads especially in Entebbe which is risky”
According to the President Rotary Club of Entebbe base, Barbra Nekesa, this project is aimed at sensitizing the motorist’s emphasizing safety while on the road especially along Entebbe Road.
“Many people in Uganda use motorcycles as an easy means of transport. Therefore, we see many accidents occurring but it's just simple. Many motorists lack enough sensitization and awareness to be vigilant on the way and that’s why we are embarking on this project to create awareness amongst them. We hope this will reduce accidents along this road” Nekesa noted.
The riders also received road safety gears including reflector jackets from the Rotary Club of Entebbe base in partnership with serene heights hotel.
Meble Tomusange , a road safety expert urged the riders on financial literacy, investment, behavior change and cleanliness as key aspects in the transport sector and an element of social economic transformation.
“Motorists, associate with many people in a day; therefore, they need to be sensitized and create an awareness on the proper arrangements that may develop and boost the sector of transport” Tomusange added.
Over 1000 road safety reflector jackets were donated to motorists to create more awareness and improve road safety conditions.
Edward Kizito who represented the Minister of Works and Transport, Gen Katumba Wamala said the campaign is in line with the Ministry’s plan to roll out road safety awareness projects across the country with the motorists to help curb accidents.
“we have already planned the engagement exercise with the motorists across the country as well as plans to sensitize them on the new programs including introduction of digital number plates” He stated.
At least three to four boda boda riders are knocked on Entebbe Road due to reckless road use, according to Entebbe Referral Hospital.
In Uganda, Boda-Boda industry employs an estimated 250,000 youths and a source of livelihood to over 500,000 people in the country.