USPA extends Road Safety campaign

By Johnson Were

IN a bid to enable the Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA) members be part of the Hakim Magumba testimonial game at Nakivubo on Saturday, the sports scribes’ body has moved the climax of their annual Road Safety Campaign to Saturday August 29 at Lugazi.

USPA President Sabiiti Muwanga confirmed the development to New Vision saying that USPA would wish to promote and be part of Magumba farewell as the former Cranes midfielder formally retires from active football.

“Generally both are our events so we cannot ignore one. We promoted Magumba throughout his playing career and he has invited us to be part of his final occasion on the pitch. It is only understandale that we put one event on hold so that both receive their deserved attention,” Muwanga explained.

Muwanga also added that the postponement of the campaign would help USPA plan better for the annual event that is principally in memory of four fallen executive members Leo Kabunga, Kenneth Matovu, Simon Peter Ekaliot and Francis Batte Jr. 

The four, returning from negotiations with sponsors Nile Breweries, perished in a road accident at Lugazi on August 21, 2001. Since 2004, USPA has held a campaign to sensitise the general public on road safety in a bid to minimize accidents on Ugandan roads.

According to the USPA boss, the budget for this year’s campaign has gone up due to the fact that the monument erected at Lugazi in memory of the four who died there was damaged by vehicles and then a storm that ravaged the area at the start of this year.

“We need close to sh15m, with a good chunk going for the refurbishment of the monument. We have already approached our traditional sponsors for the event; City Tyres and Standard Chartered Bank and they will announce what they will offer next week.  We have also approached Sugar Corporation of Uganda Limited (SCOUL) and they sounded positive,” Muwanga disclosed.

Starting Monday next week, the campaign will involve the distribution of stickers with a road safety message, a visit to accident victims at Mulago Hospital, a memorial service at Christ the King. 

The climax at Lugazi will have the unveiling of the refurbished monument, painting of a zebra crossing and a mini football monument.

Standard Chartered Bank, Nile Breweries, Rwenzori Water, City Tyres and Scoul Sugar factory are expected to support the activity.