In a bid to enhance road safety and first aid skills among Boda Boda riders in Uganda, Prudential Uganda in partnership with Uganda Red Cross Society and Vision Group launched the second phase of the #safesteps campaign. During the first phase of the Safe Steps road safety campaign, over 4,000 Boda Boda riders within the Kampala Metropolitan Area were trained covering Kampala, Wakiso, Entebbe and Mukono districts.
The second phase of the campaign which is currently running was officially launched on 31st October 2023 with an aim of training over 8,000 bodaboda riders both within Kampala Metropolitan Area, and upcountry locations such as Mityana, Masaka, Mbale, and Mbarara districts.
In a move to raise more awareness about the campaign, a partnership was forged with Vision Group’s Bukedde TV and Radio Through a series of impactful programs such as Bukedde TV and Radio’s Akayisaanyo, Tukyogeeleko and Ekyenkya, the campaign has educated both the Boda Boda riders, passengers, viewers and listeners, hence impacting a wider population on road safety and first aid this year. Various topics have been covered such as the highway code, road safety principles, first aid, helmet use and removal, managing wounds, drunk driving among others.
According to Richard Kabunga – URCS’ lead trainer for Safe Steps, “Safe Steps Phase II continues to impact more boda-boda riders through road safety and first aid tips. Today, we have noticed an increase in the number of riders turning up for the 2-day training sessions in Kampala Metropolitan Area, Mbale, Mbarara, and Masaka area. We shall be moving to Mityana during the course of May 2024.”
As the campaign progresses, many Boda Boda riders that have undergone the Safe Steps training have Shared their testimonies of change:
John Luyambi a Boda boda rider from Buwambo noted that “We don’t usually know how to help our friends who get accidents, but this Safe Steps road safety training has equipped us with first aid knowledge and how to give CPR.”
“I realized I have been a bad road user because I did not know about road signs. Since the Red Cross trainers have taught us different road signs and their use, I am going to be vigilant while driving for the safety of all road users.”Madanda Khalid Boda boda rider – Buwambo
“We are grateful to Uganda Red Cross and Prudential for organizing this training and ensuring we as cyclists learn how to perform first aid to our colleagues in times of emergencies. I call upon my fellow bodaboda riders to attend these trainings once called upon since they are free of charge and benefit us. “Kanyike Kiviiri –Chairman Bodaboda Kampala Division
As a woman who is new to this job, I am grateful for this opportunity to learn since I had never received any formal training. With what we have been taught especially, the road safety signs and first aid skills, I am now confident that I will be a better rider. Nassozi Rebecca –Female Bodaboda rider Massajja stage
Safe Steps campaign still continues throughout the month of May 2024, and will climax in Masaka city at the end of the month.