As families prepare for the back-to-school season and transport service providers hustle to meet daily targets, road safety remains a pressing concern. With increasing traffic and risks on our roads, we had the opportunity to participate in the Road Safety Advocacy Coalition Uganda (ROSACU) Strategic Workshop in Jinja, Eastern Uganda, a critical space for dialogue and action.
The workshop focused on key road safety risk factors in Uganda, including speed regulation, helmet use, drink driving, seat belt and child restraint enforcement, and safe school zones. Bringing together policymakers, boda boda and truck driver organizations, and road safety advocates, the discussions aimed to develop concrete strategies to improve road safety nationwide.
Key Highlights & Progress
The workshop provided an opportunity for members of the road safety coalition, alongside partners from the Global Road Safety Partnership, Global Health Advocacy Incubator, and Uganda Local Government Agency, to reflect on progress made and strategize for the future, particularly what road safety should look like by 2026.
“Road safety is a pressing and critical issue that demands immediate attention”
🔹 Milestones Achieved: Members shared successes in advancing safe school zone programs and the gazettement of helmet standards, crucial steps toward creating safer roads for all.
🔹 Breakout Sessions: Coalition members provided updates on budgetary advocacy, speed regulation, seat belt and child restraint enforcement, and helmet standards, while also onboarding new members and brainstorming solutions for existing challenges.
Strengthening Communication for Greater Impact
A key session, led by Asim Khan from the Global Health Advocacy Incubator, focused on restructuring ROSACU’s communication strategy to enhance outreach to stakeholders and beneficiaries. He emphasized the need to leverage both traditional and digital platforms, including newsletters and mailing lists, to keep members informed and engaged.
Helmet Safety: Getting It Right
A practical session on helmet use highlighted the importance of wearing the right type of helmet for maximum protection. Participants were trained on the benefits of full-face and modular helmets, with studies showing that modular helmets offer more comfort without compromising safety.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, the workshop reinforced that road safety is a shared responsibility. With over 25 coalition members working together, the focus remains on policy implementation, advocacy, and collaboration to create safer roads for all Ugandans. True road safety requires a multi-sectoral approach, and every effort counts. Let’s keep pushing for stronger policies, better enforcement, and safer road practices.
By Kalema Andrew Arnold
