In Uganda, there is currently no established standards for motorcycle helmets to ensure the safety of motorbike riders and passengers. Even for those who own helmets, many are uncertified and fail to provide adequate protection in case of crashes. According to a 2023 police report, 60% of road crashes in Uganda involve motorcycle users, commonly referred to as boda boda riders. Alarmingly, many of these individuals were not wearing helmets during these incidents. Studies show that wearing a helmet increases the chances of surviving head injuries by up to 70%, yet the practice remains widely neglected.
For pillion passengers, the situation is even more concerning. Many have never worn a helmet, citing reasons such as discomfort or hygiene concerns. For others, it’s simply not a priority. This behavior underscores the urgent need to shift mindsets and promote helmet use among both riders and passengers.
In response, the United Nations Association of Uganda (UNAU) launched an online campaign focused on helmet standards. This initiative aims to influence behavior change while advocating for the development of national guidelines for standard motorcycle helmets. Recognizing that young people are the primary users of boda bodas in Kampala, the campaign has prioritized their engagement. A communication training was recently held at the UNAU secretariat to empower young people to amplify awareness about the importance of standard helmets.
Tragically, the lives of many young Ugandans have been lost due to head injuries and skull fractures, injuries that could have been prevented with proper helmet use. Eye injuries and other head trauma are also common, as most riders and passengers lack any form of protection to absorb impact during crashes.
Many boda boda users express the desire to own standard helmets but are deterred by the associated costs. Developing and enforcing guidelines for motorcycle helmets would ensure that only certified, safe helmets are sold in the market. This would protect riders and passengers from substandard products that compromise their safety.
UNAU’s awareness campaign emphasizes the need for collective effort to educate users and advocate for helmet safety. Standard helmets are not just about compliance; they are about saving lives, reducing the health burden from preventable injuries, and easing the economic strain on both individuals and the government.
By prioritizing road safety and promoting the use of standard helmets, Uganda can take a significant step toward safeguarding its citizens and addressing the preventable tragedies associated with motorcycle crashes.
By Kalema Andrew Arnold
