The Uganda Red Cross Society, in partnership with Prudential Uganda, has trained more than 18,600 boda-boda riders in road safety and first aid under the Safe Steps Road Safety Campaign.
The Phase III grand finale, held on Tuesday at Nakawa Vocational Training Institute, saw over 6,000 riders complete the programme.
The initiative is supported by the Uganda Police Traffic Directorate and the Ministry of Works and Transport.
Uganda Red Cross Secretary General Robert Kwesiga highlighted the programme’s focus: “The SAFE STEPS campaign comprised trainings on road safety and first aid skills, focusing on the highway code, drunk driving, distracted driving, helmet removal, speed limits, pedestrian safety, managing fractures and injuries, and most especially educating the boda-boda riders about offering first aid while ensuring that an ambulance is called each time a road traffic injury occurs.”
Prudential Uganda CEO Tetteh Ayitevie emphasized the company’s commitment to community resilience: “We are proud to have reached 18,600 riders with life-saving knowledge. Prudential remains committed to delivering real-time impact and building long-term resilience in the communities we serve… our responsibility extends beyond financial protection, we are custodians of public safety and well-being.”
Police spokesperson SP Michael Kananura noted that motorcyclists, passengers, and pedestrians remain the most affected by road crashes.
“When there are crashes, the first responders of those crashes, they are riders. So when they get there and they don't know what to do, then really we shall still lose lives. But these people have taken a step to train these riders that big, that much number. And indeed we have seen some improvements that this time now when they respond, they are able to save lives,” he said.
SP Kananura also condemned bystanders who record accident scenes instead of helping victims, adding that some even steal from them.
“This must stop. This is not good at all,” he said.
Representing the Ministry of Works and Transport, Assistant Commissioner Cynthia Bindeeba said the country still has an informal transport system where all road users share lanes.
She urged riders to uphold discipline: “We are saying don't carry many people. Carry only two people, you and the passenger, and wear the helmet. This training can help you save a life… if they are over 100, let them go and spread the message to other boda-boda riders across the country.”
The Safe Steps campaign, now in its third phase, will continue nationwide as Uganda Red Cross moves to expand road safety education and community first aid capacity.
