In Uganda, boda boda cyclists remain at the forefront of road accident statistics, contributing to a significant portion of injuries and fatalities.
As the festive season approaches, a period marked by increased road activity and heightened risks, lives hang precariously in the balance.
Recognising the urgent need for action, a group of over 150 boda-boda riders in Goma Division in Mukono Municipality have been trained to handle traumatic emergencies, as road safety concerns heighten ahead of the festive season.
This initiative aims to equip them with lifesaving skills for quicker emergency response, potentially turning them into first responders in critical situations.
The week-long training was organised by Vision for Trauma Care in Africa and supported by partners including LFR International, Rotary Club of Bweyogerere-Namboole, and Rotaract Clubs of Bukoto and Acacia-Sunset, alongside UIAHMS-Mulago.
This latest group joins over 250 riders trained last year, backed by funding from Lay First Responders (LFR) International, a U.S.-based organisation specialising in pre-hospital emergency care research in sub-Saharan Africa.
The urgency of such initiatives is indicated by Uganda’s 2023 road safety report, which recorded 4,806 deaths from road crashes.
Motorcyclists account for 45% of these fatalities, while pedestrians and pedal cyclists make up a further 40%.
Mukono district likely has tens of thousands of riders contributing to the region’s transportation sector.
Precise numbers vary, as many operate informally without official documentation or membership in organised associations.
Youths under 35, considered the most productive age group, represent 60% of the victims, with males comprising 74% of the fatalities.
With boda bodas often involved in accidents, the training aims to enhance emergency response capabilities, potentially saving lives in a country where road users face high risks daily.
A survey along the Kampala-Jinja Highway revealed that boda boda riders often transport accident victims to health facilities, yet many lack critical first aid skills, contributing to avoidable deaths and disabilities.
To address this gap, Dr. Hannington Muwanga, Executive Director of Vision for Trauma Care, emphasised the importance of equipping riders with proper trauma management techniques.
“Many minor injuries escalate to severe disabilities due to poor evacuation skills,” Dr. Muwanga noted, citing the inadequacy of first responders and under-resourced health facilities as key challenges.
The training, led by George William Kayinda, head of training at Vision for Trauma Care, focused on trauma assessment skills, including handling cardiac arrest, neurological issues, and obstetric emergencies such as transporting women with labor complications.
Participants received reflector vests, identity cards for health facility access, and first aid kits containing essential supplies like gloves, bandages, splints, and surgical blades.
Hussein Ddumba Kato, chairperson of boda boda riders in Mukono Municipality, expressed gratitude, stating, “Accidents are frequent on the Kampala-Jinja Highway, especially during festive seasons.
Fear of accountability has made many riders reluctant to help victims, but with the skills and IDs provided, we are now confident to assist.”
Rotarian Michael Nuwagaba, President of the Rotary Club of Bweyogerere-Namboole, highlighted the growing road safety crisis, noting that accident rates are rising by 16% annually.
“Everywhere you go, there’s another accident. It’s out of hand,” he said, adding that future efforts will include engaging traffic police to train riders on safe road practices.
This initiative marks a critical step toward reducing road fatalities and empowering boda boda riders to become first responders, especially during high-risk periods like the festive season.
Boda Bodas In Uganda
Uganda is estimated to have between 1.5 million and 2 million boda bodas operating nationwide, encompassing both licensed and unlicensed riders.
A large proportion is concentrated in urban centers like Kampala, where boda bodas serve as a primary means of transportation for many residents.
Kampala alone is home to over 200,000 boda bodas, forming a significant part of the city’s informal economy and public transport system.
The exact number remains uncertain due to regulatory and registration challenges, as well as the rapid expansion of the industry, fueled by high unemployment rates and the affordability of motorcycles.
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