Rotarians equip Goma boda boda riders to drive road safety push
The event, held on July 13, 2026, under the theme “Enhancing Road Safety in Uganda,” brought together traffic police officers, school administrators, boda boda operators and pupils from Kiwango Umea Government School in Goma division to address pressing safety concerns on the area’s busy roads.
Mukono Division Traffic Police Commander Francis Onen Okwiya receives a helmet from Rotary Club of Sonde President, David Nsalasatta, during the handover ceremony. (Photo by Eric Yiga.)
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In a bid to enhance road safety and curb the rising number of accidents, the Rotary Club of Sonde has distributed reflector jackets and helmets to boda boda riders in Goma division, Mukono Municipality, Mukono district.
The event, held on July 13, 2026, under the theme “Enhancing Road Safety in Uganda,” brought together traffic police officers, school administrators, boda boda operators and pupils from Kiwango Umea Government School in Goma division to address pressing safety concerns on the area’s busy roads.
Mukono division traffic police commander 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,” Onen said.
He used the occasion to issue a stern warning to boda boda riders against engaging in 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 emphasised.
Some of the boda boda riders pose with the safety gear they received from the Rotary Club of Sonde beside their motorcycles. (Photo by Eric Yiga)
Some of the boda boda riders display the safety gear they received from the Rotary Club of Sonde during the distribution exercise. (Photo by Eric Yiga)
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 boda boda riders, we can change risky behaviours. Everyone must respect traffic signs and road rules.”
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.
David Kat, chairperson of the boda boda 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 sensitisation sessions. Participants were also reminded of the importance of road signs, speed limits and responsible passenger behaviour.
Rotary Club of Sonde officials indicated that the exercise is part of a broader campaign that will extend to other schools and boda boda 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, including police, riders, pupils and school administrators, 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.