KAMPALA – Watu Uganda is sounding the alarm on the need for enhanced infrastructure and boda boda training to boost road safety in Uganda. As the dominant mode of urban transportation, boda bodas have become a vital part of daily commuting for millions. However, with the introduction of electric motorcycles alongside traditional models, new challenges and opportunities for improving road safety have arisen.
According to Victor Getenya, Head of EV at Watu Uganda, the lack of proper road infrastructure, limited driver training, and minimal enforcement of traffic regulations are major hurdles to road safety. “Poorly lit road sections, unregulated boda boda operations, and limited public awareness about road safety practices are exacerbating the situation,” he emphasized.
The statistics are alarming: road traffic fatalities have increased by 10% over the past decade, with motorcycles accounting for nearly 45% of these incidents. To address this, Watu Uganda has formed partnerships with government and private sector institutions to tackle road safety challenges.
One key initiative is Watu’s financing packages, which address regulatory barriers such as obtaining driving licenses. Getenya noted that some accidents are caused by illegal drivers trying to evade traffic police, highlighting the importance of accessible licensing processes. Watu has partnered with licensing authorities to ensure riders can acquire necessary credentials, particularly for those facing language and financial challenges.
Watu Uganda is also integrating cutting-edge safety technologies, fostering community awareness, and collaborating with key stakeholders to create a safer, greener, and more sustainable transportation system. As Getenya put it, “We want to create a model for sustainable and safe transportation in Uganda, continually improving our safety measures and building strong partnerships. We’re working toward a future where road accidents are rare.”
In addition to these efforts, Watu Uganda has launched a boda boda safety riding school, Watu Shule, to provide professional motorcycle training and improve road safety ¹. By addressing the complex challenges surrounding road safety, Watu Uganda is paving the way for a safer, more sustainable transportation system in Uganda.
