Minister for Kampala, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, has warned police officers against using civilians to impound motorcycles or arrest riders.
She expressed concern about civilians impounding motorcycles on behalf of the police, as they cannot be held accountable if the owners cannot trace their motorcycles or if the bikes are found damaged.
“Why do we have civilians arresting Boda boda riders? If you have given up on your job tell us. We have traffic police, which should do its work. You can’t keep cheating people. Police should not neglect its responsibility,” Kabanda said.
Speaking at a Boda boda sensitization workshop organized by Safe Way Right Way (SWRW), Centre for Policy Analysis (CEPA), and Road Safety Advocacy Coalition Uganda (ROSACU), Kabanda emphasized the importance of the police fulfilling their responsibilities and not neglecting their duty.
The workshop was held as part of the United Nations Global Road Safety Week, with a focus on promoting road safety among boda boda riders.
The participants were educated on helmet use, following road signs, and respecting traffic lights.
During the event, Geoffrey Ochen, a Boda boda rider who lost his right arm in a road crash, advised his fellow riders to ride carefully and consistently wear crash helmets. He shared his experience of surviving the crash but losing his arm, emphasizing the importance of protective measures.
Winston Katushabe, the Commissioner for Transport at the Ministry of Works and Transport, expressed concern over the high number of bodaboda rider fatalities on the roads.
The 2022 traffic report indicated that 1,405 motorcyclists and 512 passengers on motorcycles died in road crashes, reflecting an increase compared to the previous year. Katushabe highlighted the financial cost of treating crash victims and repairing damaged road sections and signage, amounting to trillions of Shillings.
Fred Tumwine, Chairman of ROSACU, emphasized the need for road safety education and awareness programs to reduce road crashes and fatalities.
He noted that many people lack the necessary knowledge and information to stay safe on the roads, and sharing stories of individuals who have suffered the consequences of road crashes can help raise awareness.
“As ROSACU, we want to see road crashes reduced on Ugandan roads. We want to see figures of young people dying on the road or getting injured reducing. We believe if we work together as stakeholders we can make roads safe for everyone,” Tumwine said.
Katushabe also pledged to take action against driving schools that charge exorbitant fees, making it difficult for people to obtain driving permits.
The government aims to prevent individuals from being exploited and ensure a fair and accessible process for acquiring permits.
