Sanyuka TV Amplifies Road Safety with 'Linya Step with Safety' Campaign

Sanyuka TV has intensified its “Linya Step with Safety” campaign, aimed at addressing Uganda’s alarming road safety issues, particularly those involving boda boda riders.

The initiative recently re-trained over 50 boda boda leaders from the Kampala Metropolitan area, equipping them with road safety knowledge and tools to help reduce boda boda-related accidents by 30% within six months.

The campaign comes at a critical time, with statistics from the Uganda Police Traffic Directorate revealing that at least six people die daily, and eight sustain injuries in boda boda-related crashes.

Speaking during the training session, SP Michel Kananura, the spokeserson of the Traffic Directorate, emphasized the gravity of the situation, calling it an “escalating disease” that requires urgent intervention.

“Many of these accidents are caused by risky behaviors such as reckless riding, violating traffic lights, and carrying multiple passengers,” said Kananura.

He added that awareness campaigns like Linya Step play a crucial role in shaping behavior and mitigating these risks.

Mable Tomusange, Managing Consultant at Consult Afrika Usalama, highlighted the workshop’s objectives, stating, “We are engaging boda boda leaders because they are pivotal in influencing grassroots riders. Our plan is to extend these trainings to more riders and support them with driving permits to address compliance issues.”

Tomusange further urged public involvement, calling for a collective approach to road safety:

“Road safety is a shared responsibility. Passengers, too, must take charge by insisting on safe riding practices. Corporate entities should consider investing in road safety to support vulnerable groups like boda boda riders and pedestrians.”

The boda boda leaders who attended expressed their commitment to disseminate the training insights to their peers.

They also acknowledged the importance of this effort, especially ahead of the busy Christmas season, a time typically marked by increased road traffic and accidents.

As part of the broader campaign, the government is exploring regulations requiring all motorcycles to come with two helmets at the time of purchase, ensuring both rider and passenger safety. SP Kananura affirmed,

“This is a step in the right direction to protect everyone involved in potential crashes.”

The *Linya Step with Safety* campaign underscores the need for multi-sectoral efforts to address road safety challenges, with stakeholders rallying around education, enforcement, and collaboration for safer roads.