Prudential Uganda, in collaboration with Prudence Foundation and the Uganda Red Cross Society, has officially launched the SAFE STEPS Road Safety Campaign for the second consecutive year. The primary focus of this campaign is to advocate for safe practices on the roads while delivering crucial messages to potentially save lives.
This year, the partnership has set its sights on a significant goal – reaching out to and educating 8,000 boda boda riders in key locations across Uganda, including Kampala, Mityana, Masaka, Mbale, and Mbarara. The campaign’s mission aligns with Prudential Uganda’s strong commitment to road safety and the overall well-being of the communities it serves.
Tetteh Ayitevie, the Chief Executive Officer of Prudential Uganda, expressed the company’s dedication to ensuring road safety. He emphasized the importance of this initiative, acknowledging the growing concern about road safety and the significance of every life saved. He stated, “We’re very proud to bring back the SAFE STEPS campaign in Uganda. Our mission is to make sure that everyone using the roads gets simple and clear safety messages. This year, we’re excited to reach out to even more boda boda riders and give them the knowledge and skills they need for safer journeys. We want the roads in Uganda to be safer for everyone.”
Kwesiga Robert, the General Secretary of the Uganda Red Cross Society, echoed the enthusiasm for this renewed partnership. He highlighted the partnership’s core objective – saving lives and preventing accidents. Robert expressed the eagerness of both organizations to collaborate with boda boda riders in these regions to contribute to road safety.
According to the 2021 Annual Crime and Traffic/Road Safety report, Uganda witnessed 4,159 road accident fatalities across the country. Shockingly, 1,390 of these fatalities involved motorcycle riders, and 528 were passengers on motorcycles. This alarming statistic translates to approximately four people losing their lives in boda boda accidents every day and around 116 every month.
The SAFE STEPS campaign primarily centers on educating boda boda riders in critical areas of safety and emergency response. These riders play a vital role in facilitating transportation for people, making it essential to ensure their safety and the safety of their passengers. By equipping them with essential knowledge and skills, this initiative strives to reduce accidents and save lives on Ugandan roads.