More than 8,000 boda-boda riders have been equipped with essential road safety and first aid skills, following the successful conclusion of the six-month prudential safe steps road safety campaign.
The initiative, organised by Prudential Uganda in collaboration with the Prudence Foundation and implemented by the Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS), aimed to promote safer driving habits among riders nationwide.
Launched on October 31, 2023, the second phase of the safe steps campaign focused on enhancing road safety, first aid skills, and encouraging behavioral changes among boda-boda riders.
Covering the Central, Western, and Eastern regions of Uganda, the campaign specifically targeted Kampala, Mbarara, Mbale, Masaka, and Mityana districts.
In addition to hands-on training, the initiative used public service announcement videos, educational posters, and media engagement to highlight key road safety topics, such as the dangers of drunk driving, the importance of seat belt use, and pedestrian safety.
Since the campaign's inception, it has reached over 12,000 boda-boda riders across Uganda.
Speaking at the closing event, Prudential Uganda CEO Tetteh Ayitevie emphasized the campaign's impact on the boda-boda community.
"We are incredibly proud of the positive effect the SAFE STEPS campaign has had on the communities, as evidenced by the increased understanding of road safety and first aid skills among riders," Ayitevie said.
"Our commitment to road safety does not end here; we will continue to support initiatives aimed at reducing road accidents and saving lives."
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Uganda's road safety crisis remains a critical issue. According to the Uganda Police Annual Performance Report 2023, motorcycles were involved in 36% of all road traffic crashes last year, resulting in 45% of total road fatalities.
Uganda Red Cross Society secretary general Robert Kwesiga praised Prudential Uganda for sustaining the initiative, stressing the urgent need for continued education and sensitization efforts to reduce accidents and save lives.
Since 2019, the Uganda Red Cross Society has implemented a program to improve emergency medical services along major highways, funded by the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Health.
This program operates a fleet of 21 ambulances to provide timely responses to road traffic accidents.
Looking ahead, Prudential Uganda has announced plans to expand the safe steps campaign in 2024, extending its reach to additional districts beyond the Kampala Metropolitan Area, Mityana, Masaka, and MbalAe.
