Road safety drive to equip 500 Fort Portal boda boda riders
“Under the project, the Rotary Club of Kabarole plans to train 500 boda boda riders in road safety regulations, defensive riding, accident prevention, customer care, and responsible road use,” Kakyo said.
Dr. Richard Obet, the former club president handing over to Doreen Kakyo. (Credit: Jonan Tusingwire)
KABAROLE - The Rotary Club of Kabarole has launched a road safety initiative aimed at reducing road traffic accidents and improving the livelihoods of boda boda riders in Fort Portal city.
Dubbed the Rider Improvement for Decent Employment (RIDE) Project, the 12-month initiative will equip boda boda riders with road safety skills, provide protective gear and promote responsible road use under the theme, Safe Roads, Decent Jobs, Better Lives.
The project was unveiled on June 27, 2026, during the installation of the club's new president in Fort Portal.
According to club president Doreen Kakyo, boda boda transport remains one of the most important modes of transport in Fort Portal city, serving thousands of residents every day.
Kakyo added that the project also seeks to address the dangers posed by faded zebra crossings, which put pedestrians, particularly schoolchildren and the elderly, at risk.
“Under the project, the Rotary Club of Kabarole plans to train 500 boda boda riders in road safety regulations, defensive riding, accident prevention, customer care, and responsible road use,” she said.
Doreen Kakyo, the New Rotary Club of Kabarole launching the project shortly after being installed as president. (Credit: Jonan Tusingwire)
The trained riders will also receive 500 reflective jackets and 500 standard safety helmets to improve their visibility and safety on the road.
In addition, the project will rehabilitate and repaint four strategic zebra crossings across Fort Portal city to enhance pedestrian safety. Citywide road safety awareness campaigns will also be conducted to encourage responsible road use among motorists, riders, passengers and pedestrians.
Beyond reducing road traffic accidents, the project aims to promote professionalism within the boda boda sector and strengthen collaboration between the Rotary Club of Kabarole, Fort Portal city authorities, the Uganda Police Force, boda boda associations, the private sector and the wider community.
Kakyo appealed to government agencies, development partners, financial institutions, insurance companies, corporate organisations and well-wishers to support the implementation of the project.