Road safety activists sensitise bodaboda riders during 10-kilometre walk

KAMPALA - Road safety activists, Saturday, walked a 10-kilometre walk in Kampala, sensitising bodaboda riders and road users on proper road usage and their responsibilities in fostering road safety.

Dubbed ‘Bodaboda Walk 2026’, the initiative, and the second edition of its kind in Kampala, was fronted by road safety advocate Joseph Beyanga, alias Joe Walker of Joe Walker Foundation.

Flagging off the walk, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) deputy executive director, Benon Kigenyi, thanked participants for turning up in large numbers and walking for the cause.

“Today, as KCCA, we have redeemed the non-motorised transport corridor from Luwum Street all the way to Namirembe in Upper Old Kampala, and all this has made many Kampala pedestrians now enjoy their movements safely,” he said, urging bodaboda riders and road users to use roads responsibly to overcome crashes.

Kigenyi further highlighted the need for safe use of roads, insisting, “Together we can make Kampala a truly vibrant, attractive, and liveable City if we all prioritise road safety.”

Traffic Police spokesperson Michael Kananura revealed 5,383 Ugandans died last year, according to their Annual Police Report, insisting that 47% of the fatalities were attributed to bodaboda crashes; therefore, need to sensitise boda riders on proper road usage.

Despite sustained road safety campaigns since 2021 targeting communities, schools, and religious institutions, crash numbers continue to rise, driven by rapid urbanisation and increased vehicle use.

Police recorded 26,044 road crashes in 2025, including 4,602 fatal, 13,563 serious, and 7,879 minor incidents — representing a 3.7% increase compared to 2024.

“Motorcycles, commonly known as boda bodas, remain the most affected, contributing a significant share of fatalities and serious injuries. Hit-and-run cases also continue to complicate investigations. We, therefore, call for vigilance while on road and observe all the safety measures in place,” remarked Kananura.

According to Beyanga, road users should prioritise safety with proper observation of traffic regulations so as to combat the continous road crashes, costing productive lives.

The walk started from Sheraton Kampala, via Kampala Road, to Entebbe Road, Queens Way, then Nakivubo Blue Primary School, then Katwe to Lubiri Ring Road, then Ndeeba to Kabaka anjagala road, then Mengo, Bakuli and Nakivuvo en route back to Sheraton Kampala Hotel.

Several stopovers were made at different designated bodaboda stages, sensitising riders on road safety, and donating to them free reflectors.