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Boda Boda Riders Get Safety Riding School

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Fahad Muganga 

 

Watu Uganda has launched a boda boda safety riding school, Watu Shule, as part of efforts to improve road safety and provide professional motorcycle training.

 

This institution aims to deliver accessible, high-quality training to enhance safety on Uganda’s roads and develop skilled, responsible riders, particularly within the boda boda sector.

 

Watu Shule offers a comprehensive curriculum combining theoretical lessons with practical training. The program covers key areas such as motorcycle operation, traffic regulations, and safe riding practices, equipping riders with the skills and knowledge to navigate Uganda’s roads responsibly.

 

The boda boda industry has long been associated with Uganda’s high rate of road accidents. According to the 2023 Police Annual Traffic Report, motorcycles contributed to the biggest number of accidents registered in the year (13,386), accounting for 36% of the total number of vehicles involved in accidents with 2,498 total deaths, while 9,668 registered serious inquiries.

 

The report further indicated that the number of reported fatalities in Uganda increased by 6%, from 4,534 in 2022 to 4,806 in 2023. The number of serious injuries increased by 10% from 15,227 in 2022 to 16,736 in 2023 and those that sustained minor injuries increased by 86%, from 1,712 in 2022 to 3,186 in 2023.

 

Speaking at the launch, Christian Kamukama, Head of Commercials at Watu Uganda, said that the school’s mission is to close the skills gap in the motorcycle sector. The school aims to boost road safety and support youth in securing sustainable livelihoods. “We’re confident this initiative will empower many Ugandans, improve road safety, and drive economic growth,” Kamukama stated. 

 

Winston Katushabe, the Commissioner for Transport at the Ministry of Works and Transport expressed his appreciation for Watu Uganda’s initiative, highlighting it as a long-awaited and sustainable solution to the country’s boda boda safety challenges. 

 

“For years, we have been working to reduce the high fatalities, and while helmet mandates were a step forward, the establishment of a school like this marks a significant milestone. Until now, there was no formal institution for training riders in Uganda. As the government, we fully support this initiative and are committed to working alongside you to ensure improved road safety across the country,” he stated.

 

One of Watu Shule’s unique features is its structured program, which emphasizes safety, professionalism, and compliance with regulations. The school not only provides training but also assists riders in obtaining licenses, ensuring a smooth transition into their careers as certified professionals.

 

The launch of Watu Shule in Kampala is part of a broader initiative by Watu Uganda to establish motorcycle training schools nationwide. The goal is to position Watu Shule as the leading motorcycle riding school in Uganda, setting new standards for safety and professionalism in the industry.

 

Boda bodas are a critical part of Uganda’s transport network, connecting communities to schools, markets, and healthcare facilities, particularly in rural areas. They also play a significant economic role by supporting various industries.

 

(SCP) Lawrence Niwabiine, Director of Traffic, Road, and Safety said that Police welcome such inititaives that help them in their long-term fight to reduce road fatalities.“This school will strengthen road safety in Kampala by providing quality motorcycle training and critical skills for safe and responsible riding. As the police, we are committed to collaborating with Watu Shule to enhance road safety.”

 

Last year, while launching the second phase of the Safe Steps road safety campaign, Minister for Works and Transport General Katumba Wamala said that Uganda is working towards achieving the goals set by the second UN Decade of Action for Road Safety, with a target to reduce road crash deaths and injuries by 50% by 2030.

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