340km Kampala-Gulu road safety awareness walk set for February 24

KAMPALA - Road safety advocate Joseph Beyanga widely known as Joe Walker has called upon Ugandans to take road safety seriously to reduce what he termed ‘alarming deaths’ that come as a result of road carnage in the country.

“We are saying enough is enough. If you drove carefully, would you die? If you observe the speed limit, will you die, if you stay in your lane, and be patient for an extra five seconds, will you die, you won’t die, and somebody will actually live because of you being patient on the road,” remarked Beyanga.

He made the remarks on Tuesday (February 18, 2025) at Jubilee Allianz along Parliamentary Avenue in Kampala during a press briefing on the 340km Kampala-Gulu road safety awareness walk slated for February 24.

Works and transport minister Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala will flag off the participants for the anticipated 10-day walk on February 24, at 6:00am from the Independence Monument in Kampala, according to Beyanga.

“A walk like this gives us an opportunity to pose, and reflect on the lives of our loved ones lost in road carnage, which can be avoided if we can take extra care while on roads. As you heard, 340km from Kampala to Gulu is not a short distance, it’s not a simple journey, and it’s not the most conducive atmosphere, but it is not as painful as the pain somebody will go through after losing their loved ones,” insisted the road safety advocate.

Spanning 10 days, Beyanga and friends will traverse through several towns, with their destination as Gulu.

Spearheaded by the Joe Walker Foundation, Beyanga said the Kampala to Gulu road safety walk will engage diverse stakeholders, including bodaboda riders, communities, school children, law enforcement agencies, and various policymakers, in meaningful conversations about road safety.

Previous treks

Joe Walker Foundation has demonstrated unwavering commitment to road safety with their inaugural safety walk from Kampala to Bushenyi (2022), the “Too Young To Die” walk to Mbale (2023), the “Get Home Safe” walk to Fort Portal (2024), among other impactful events.

10-day walk

Spanning 10 days, Beyanga and friends will traverse through several towns, with their destination as Gulu.

From Independence Monument as their first destination, they will end in Bombo, the next stops will be Luwero, Nakasongola, Migyera, Kafu, Kigumba, Bweyale, Kamdini, Bobi, and finally Gulu.

“Along the route, participants will engage with communities, raise awareness, and promote road safety principles,” added Beyanga.

Road safety advocate Joseph Beyanga alias Joe Walker and Paul Kavuma, the Chief Executive Officer Jubilee Allianz General Insurance. (Credit: Douglas Mubiru)

14 lives lost daily

According to the 2023 Police report, Uganda loses 14 lives daily due to road crashes, registers 70 causalities, and loses 5% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on handling road crashes alone.

Police further aver that careless overtaking, and speeding account for 52% of causes of road crashes.

Let’s make a difference on our roads

Paul Kavuma, the Chief Executive Officer Jubilee Allianz General Insurance, rallied Ugandans to make a difference while on the roads, insisting they will continue preaching the gospel of road safety for the good of road users.

Meanwhile, UNOC, Jubilee Allianz, Rwenzori Water, Pride Microfinance Limited, Nicole Foundation, and Responsive Drivers in Gulu, have supported the Kampala-Gulu road safety walk.