In response to the rising number of road crashes involving motorcycles, a new training initiative has been rolled out in Fort Portal City to equip boda boda riders with essential road safety skills.
The program, spearheaded by Watu Shule—a capacity-building arm of Watu Uganda—aims to professionalize Bodaboda operations through structured training in traffic regulations, safe riding practices, and compliance with licensing requirements.
Christian Kamukama, Program Lead at Watu Uganda, says the spike in motorcycle-related accidents stems largely from inadequate training, unlicensed riders, and poor adherence to traffic rules.
“Most of these accidents are preventable. What we’re seeing is a result of riders who have never undergone any form of training,” Kamukama noted. “Our approach combines theory and practical lessons on road signs, proper motorcycle handling, and safe riding behavior.”
Kamukama also added that the initiative is being undertaken in collaboration with the Ministry of Works and Transport to help riders obtain official permits and improve legal compliance within the sector.
The Police’s 2023 Annual Crime Report indicates that the country recorded 23,600 road crashes last year, resulting in over 4,000 deaths. Motorcycles were involved in 36 percent of the incidents, with riders and their passengers accounting for nearly half of the fatalities.
The boda boda sector, which provides livelihoods for over two million Ugandans, continues to face challenges linked to training gaps, limited enforcement of regulations, and poor safety culture.
Fort Portal Traffic Commander ASP Bannet Atwijuke welcomed the training initiative, describing it as a crucial intervention in tackling the growing road safety crisis.
“Equipping riders with the right skills and knowledge is a step in the right direction. It will help reduce reckless behavior and the number of accidents we witness daily,” Atwijuke said.
Local riders have also acknowledged the gaps in their knowledge. John Nyakahuma, a boda boda rider in Fort Portal, admitted that most riders begin operating without formal training.
“We just get on the bike and start riding. That’s why accidents happen,” he said.
His colleague, Sulaiman Musana, said many riders lack even the most basic understanding of road signs and traffic rules. “It’s not intentional—many of us have never had the chance to learn,” he added.
With formal training now accessible, stakeholders hope this marks a turning point in making Uganda’s roads safer for both riders and the communities they serve.