By Spy Uganda
Kampala: Sanyuka TV has launched a life saving campaign dubbed ‘Linnya Step Safety Boda’ aimed at enhancing road safety in Uganda.
Spearheaded by Sanyuka TV, the initiative emphasizes the urgent need for public education on road use and the laws governing transportation, especially for boda boda riders and their passengers.
A Collective Responsibility
Speaking during the launch Campaign at Next Media Park, Deputy Group CEO Joseph Kigozi stressed that road safety is a shared responsibility among riders, passengers, and the community.
“Boda accidents start with the boda rider, the passenger, and us for not informing these people,” he said.
He urged passengers not to encourage reckless driving, reminding them that their choices can significantly impact safety.
“Do not allow boda boda riders to drive you recklessly,” he added, highlighting that everyone has a role to play in preventing accidents.
The campaign seeks to foster a culture of lawfulness among Ugandans, encouraging safe practices.
“You can decide today to wear your helmet or talk to your boda boda rider and say, ‘Vuga bulungi, Linnya Step,'” he noted.
Support for Boda Boda Riders
Kigozi acknowledged the vital role of boda boda riders in transportation, assuring them that the campaign aims to ensure their safety and livelihoods.
“Boda boda riders, we love you. This campaign is meant to help you ride lawfully and stay alive,” he reassured them.
Next Media is committed to creating a platform that sensitizes all stakeholders about road safety. Kigozi expressed gratitude to partners, including the Ministry of Works, Uganda Police, Nile Breweries, and Consult Afrika Usalama, for their support.
The Role of Citizens in Road Safety
SP Michael Kananura from the Directorate of Traffic & Road Safety emphasized the need for citizen involvement.
“We cannot be everywhere to police; where we are not, you the citizens are there. What have you done to ensure road safety?” he asked, urging the public to take proactive measures rather than relying solely on traffic police.
He shared alarming statistics, noting that just last week, the country lost 20 riders and 13 passengers in road accidents.
“Today it’s someone else; tomorrow it could be you if we don’t take precautions,” he warned, stressing the dangers of overcrowding motorcycles and the importance of wearing helmets.
A Unified Effort for Change
Gen Katumba Wamala, Minister of Works and Transport, expressed gratitude for the campaign’s launch, highlighting the importance of educating boda boda riders about third-party insurance and legal compliance.
He acknowledged that while boda boda services are essential, they also pose significant risks.
“Boda bodas are both a necessity and a nuisance,” he remarked, calling for a collective effort to improve road safety.
Emmanuel Njuki, Head of Legal & Corporate Affairs at Nile Breweries, reinforced that with the privileges of boda boda services comes with the responsibility for safety.
“We need to do our part to ensure our roads are safer. Safety is a priority every day we are on the road,” he concluded.
The Linnya Step Safety Boda Campaign is a vital initiative that calls for a collective commitment to road safety in Uganda.
By educating riders and passengers, enforcing traffic laws, and fostering a culture of responsibility, we can work together to create a safer environment for all road users. Let us heed the call to action and prioritize safety on our roads today.
