By Eric Yiga
In a bid to enhance road safety and curb the rising number of accidents, the Rotary Club of Sonde on Monday distributed reflector jackets and helmets to bodaboda riders in Goma division.
The event, held under the theme “Enhancing Road Safety in Uganda,” brought together traffic police, school administrators, bodaboda operators, and pupils from Kiwango Umea Government School in Goma Division to address pressing safety concerns on the district’s busy roads.
Division Traffic Police Commander in Mukono, Francis Onen Okwiya, who presided over the distribution, called on the Ministry of Education and Sports and individual schools to create a dedicated leadership position responsible for transport and safety matters.
“Establishing a focal person for transport and safety in schools will go a long way in reducing road accidents, especially those involving school children,” Afande Onen said.
He used the occasion to issue a stern warning to bodaboda riders against the danger of having love affairs with underage children and urged them to make proper use of the newly donated safety equipment while strictly observing traffic regulations.
“Stop conning underage passengers. Use the helmets and reflector jackets you have received today, and obey traffic rules at all times,” he emphasized.
The Rotary Club of Sonde, led by its President David Nsalasatta and Rotarian Carol Kavuma, donated the equipment as part of its ongoing campaign to reduce road accidents and fatalities across the region.
“Our goal is clear: to bring down the number of people dying on our roads,” said Nsalasatta. “We believe that through continuous education of both students and bodaboda riders, we can change risky behaviours. Everyone must respect traffic signs and road rules.”
Carol Kavuma added that the initiative targets two critical road users’ riders and students who interact daily on Uganda’s roads.
The deputy Head Teacher of Kiwango Umea Government School, Swaleh Mugenyi Kintu, welcomed the intervention, describing it as timely.
“Many of our students walk or use bodaboda services every day to get to and from school,” Mugenyi Kintu said. “This training and equipment distribution gives them a safe platform to voice the challenges they face when dealing with bodaboda operators.”
David Kat chairperson of the bodaboda riders’ association in the area, pledged cooperation from his members. He warned fellow riders against carrying young children and appealed to students to refrain from abusive language and blocking roads, practices that often lead to confrontations.
Students, led by Head Girl Flavia Adongo, openly shared their experiences and concerns.
“Some riders flirt with us and harass us, especially in areas without proper oversight,” Adongo said. “We call upon the authorities and the riders’ leadership to take firm action to address these issues so that we can feel safe using their services.”
The distribution exercise included practical training on the correct use of helmets and reflector jackets, as well as road safety sensitization sessions. Participants were also reminded of the importance of road signs, speed limits, and responsible passenger behavior.
Rotary Club of Sonde officials indicated that the exercise is part of a broader campaign that will extend to other schools and bodaboda stages in Mukono District. They encouraged other organisations and stakeholders to join hands in promoting road safety.
The event ended with a collective commitment from all parties, police, riders, pupils and school administration to work together towards safer roads in Goma Division and beyond.
As Uganda continues to grapple with high road fatality rates, initiatives like this serve as vital reminders that safety is a shared responsibility.
