NAKAWA– SP Michael Kananura , the Traffic Police Spokesperson has asked all Motorcyclists including Boda Boda riders through out the country to work with Police in promoting Road safety.
Some of the beneficiaries in a group photo with other stakeholders at Nakawa Vocational Training institute on Wednesday.
While representing the Director in charge of Traffic in Uganda Police, at the SAFE STEPS Grand Finale ii held at Nakawa Vocational Training institute play ground on Wednesday, Kananura commended Uganda Red Cross Society and Predential Insurance Uganda for having trained Boda Boda riders in First Aid administering process as well as other important road safety measures.
“According to 2023 Uganda Police Statistics , 33 people perish in road crushes per day. People are continuing to die with most of the causes being over speeding and careless driving.”
Kananura also pointed out that its unfortunate for some people neglect their roles and responsibilities on the road and went an extra mile of blaming Traffic Police officers on road crash cases.
“ I call upon Prudential , to come out and support us in equipping our officers with more skills because they also don’t know it all as many may assume. Many people die because of poor handling by the rescuers at the scene of accident or in transit to health facilities.”
Mr. Alex Ogwal, Minister of Gender Labor and social Development , one of the guests at this event, asked Boda Boda riders to always ensure that their bikes are in better working conditions before stepping on the road.
“If you know that your Motorcycle is not road worthy, you can work with financial institutions in the country to get a bike on loan and enjoy your work as well as saving lives on the road.”
Mr. Robert Kwesiga , Secretary General Uganda Road Cross Society , noted that it’s a great opportunity that they are working with boda boda riders who are the first responders in most road crushes cases.
Mr. Tettteh Ayitevie CEO Prudential Insurance Uganda commended the Boda Boda riders who participated in this exercise for being disciplined and advised them to share the knowledge they have acquired with other colleagues.
“Boda Bodas have a great impact to the society because many people use them as a convenient means of transport. So we decided to improve upon their skills for safer roads.”
Mr. Mawejje Frank , the Chairman for Kawempe Boda Boda riders revealed that the training they received will help them in riding safely on the road while observing traffic rules and regulations.
“We have plans to organize a marathon towards the end of this year with a view of raising funds to buy Ambulances for all the Divisions of Kampala. These will be managed by Red Cross in responding to emergencies on roads especially those involving boda boda cyclists.”
At these event, a team of Road safety wardens trained to enforce proper observance of traffic rules and regulations among the riders received certificates nd vowed to maintain discipline at all junctions with in the city center.
The SAFE STEPS campaign had 8,000 boda-boda riders equipped with road safety and First Aid skills.
