Terms of Reference (ToRs) to conduct a qualitative situational study for the development and adoption of guidelines on motorcycle helmet standards and strengthening stakeholder coordination in Uganda.

1. Introduction

United Nations Association of Uganda (UNAU) is implementing a project aimed at enhancing road safety in Uganda through the development and adoption of guidelines for motorcycle helmet standards. This project supported by Global Road Safety Project (GRSP) is led by UNAU in collaboration with the Road Safety Advocacy Coalition Uganda (ROSACU).  This TOR outlines the scope of work for a consultant to conduct a qualitative situational study to inform the development of these guidelines. The study will investigate the current context of motorcycle helmet use in Uganda, identify key stakeholders, recognize key enablers and challenges, and gather stakeholder input on the way forward.

Background

According to the Annual Crime Report, 2023 (Traffic & Road Safety) the number of reported incidents of road crashes increased by 16%, from 20,394 in 2022 to 23,608 in 2023. There were 24,728 casualties from road crashes in 2023 compared to 21,473 in 2022, giving a 15% increase in the number of casualties. Motorcycles where the most involved in crashes with 13,386 causalities. Motorcycles (boda boda) is the most used means of transportation because its accessibility and convenience. The fatalities are due to riding without the use of a standardized motorcycle helmet for both the passengers and the riders. These crashes impose a significant economic burden to the government of Uganda through expenditure on emergency response, damage to infrastructure, health related expenses associated with victims and the loss of life as well as injuries which reduce on labor productivity thereby hampering economic growth of the country.

Much as strong laws, regulations by Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT) and the standards on protective helmets for motorcycle users by Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) are in place, for them to be understood, appreciated and utilized by key stakeholders, guidelines need to be developed which should be simplified and translated into the local languages. This is because the laws, regulations and standards are always written in legalistic language which is difficult for many of the key consumers.

A number of riders and their passengers as well as many young people are not adequately literate to understand and fully appreciate the guidelines. Therefore, the guidelines will make it easy for implementation, dissemination and hence increased utilization.

Similarly, they are important in the education and sensitization of key road safety stakeholders. The guidelines will also highlight the safety, consistency, quality assurance, certification and regulatory compliance as well as consumer education on the helmets to be used with strong deterrent provisions in the amended laws, regulations and standards and thus enhance compliance.

2. Brief about Road safety policy implementation through development and adoption of guidelines on motorcycle helmet standards and strengthening stakeholder coordination project.

The goal of the project is to increase road safety by developing and approving guidelines that facilitate the use of protective helmets for motorcyclists. The guidelines are intended to advise those involved in the motorcycle transport sector on the requirements for adhering to the gazetted helmet standards and the provisions in the recently passed regulations. This is to guarantee proper safety and protection in the event of a crash or collision. The ultimate objective is to contribute to the decrease of motorcycle-related injuries and fatalities.

In addition to riders and passengers, the project targets stakeholders including law enforcement authorities like the police, local government enforcers, Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), UNBS, the Ministry of Trade Industry & Cooperatives (MTIC), and the Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT), among others. As the mandated government agency, the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) will be supported to develop and adopt the guidelines for the motorcycle helmet standards.  The advocacy campaign will be spearheaded by UNAU in close collaboration with ROSACU members. The guidelines will emphasize the helmets’ safety, uniformity, certification, quality control, and consumer education.

3. Purpose of the project

Support the implementation of the currently gazetted protective helmet standards through the development and adoption of guidelines in a strong and well-coordinated manner. The guidelines are aimed at supporting implementation of the standards by providing guidance on the roles, responsibilities and actions of stakeholders to ensure compliance.

4. Project specific objective:

Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) develops and adopts implementation guidelines for motorcycle helmet standards by December 2025

5. Key partners involved in implementation of the project

1. ROSACU: CSO mobilization
2. Uganda Health Communication Alliance: Communication and media mobilization
3. Police: Responsible for traffic rules enforcement
4. Local governments: Responsible for traffic management in their jurisdictions
5. URA: Customs enforcement
6. Ministry of Works and Transport: Coordination and government interaction
7. Uganda National Bureau of Standards: Development of Standards
8. Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives: Regulating trade of helmets
9. Media houses: Radio and TV talk shows, TV and radio spots, and media fellows
10. Champions: Riders’ Associations and public mobilization

6. Objectives of the Study

1. To assess the current level of awareness and understanding of existing helmet standards among key stakeholders (motorcycle riders, passengers, manufacturers, retailers, enforcement agencies, etc.).
2. To identify the main challenges and barriers to the effective implementation of existing helmet standards.
3. To explore the perceptions and attitudes of different stakeholders towards helmet use and road safety.
4. To gather stakeholder input on the development of effective and user-friendly guidelines for motorcycle helmet standards.
5. To identify potential solutions and recommendations for improving helmet use and road safety in Uganda.

7. Scope of Work

Desk Review: The study focuses on road safety in Uganda, specifically motorcycle safety and helmet use, analyzing existing motorcycle helmet standards, laws, regulations, policies, and data on traffic accidents.

Qualitative Data Collection: Conduct interviews with key stakeholders, including motorcycle riders, manufacturers, customs officers, traffic police, and various government agencies, and conduct focus group discussions. Observe motorcycle traffic and helmet use in selected locations for further research.

Data Analysis and Reporting: The study involves analyzing qualitative data using thematic analysis, creating a detailed report, and presenting key findings and recommendations to the project team and stakeholders.

8. Deliverables

The consultant will be required to satisfactorily deliver the following:

1. Inception report outlining the methodology and data collection tools.
2. Draft report summarizing the findings of the study.
3. Final report with detailed findings, analysis, and recommendations.

Presentation of key findings to the project team and stakeholders.

9. Timeline

• The consultant is expected to complete the study within 20 days from the date of contract signing.

10. Reporting Requirements

• The consultant will submit a draft report to UNAU.
• The final report will be submitted electronically.

11. Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s degree in social sciences, public health, development studies, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in conducting qualitative research and data analysis.
• Experience in conducting research on road safety or public health issues in Uganda is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical and report writing skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Fluency in English and at least one local language spoken in Uganda.

12. Application Procedure

• Interested consultants should submit their proposals (including CV, methodology, and proposed budget) to baguma@unauganda.org by 31^st January 2025.