Uganda Hosts First-Ever National Road Safety Conference
In a landmark move to address the escalating road safety crisis, Uganda hosted its first- ever National Road Safety Conference, bring together a broad spectrum of stakeholders from Government, civil society, and the private sector. Held under the theme “Road Safety for Social-Economic Transformation,” the conference underscored the urgent need for coordinated action to curb the rising toll of road crashes on Ugandan lives and the economy.
The conference attracted notable leaders and experts in the road safety space, including the Vice President of Uganda, H.E. Jessica Alupo, the minister of works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, Members of Parliament, Commissioners from the Ministry of Works and Transport, representatives from Civil Society Organisations, the Uganda police and the private sector. The event was organised by the Road Safety Coalition (ROSACU) in partnership with the Ministry of Works and Transport (MWoT).
In her keynote address, Vice President Alupo reaffirmed the government’s resolve to increase funding for road safety initiatives, including investments in pedestrian infrastructure, law enforcement, public education, and emergency medical services.
In her keynote address, vice president Jessica Alupo reaffirmed the governments resolve to increase funding for road safety initiatives, including investments in pedestrian infrastructure, law enforcement, public awareness and emergency medical services.
“We are committed to increasing financing for road safety including pedestrian infrastructure, law enforcement, education, and emergency care because road safety is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Every Ugandan’s life matters. Our infrastructure achievements must not become a source of sorrow. Together, government, civil society, the private sector, and citizens we can create safer roads for all.” she stated.
New Tools and Commitments
A highlight of the Conference was the Launch of the guide of Establishment of the safe school zone by the Executive Director of Safe Transport And Survivors Support Uganda (STASSU). The guide inspired by best practices form Vietnam, aims to create safer journeys for school children and aligns with the recently introduced new speed regulations. In this symbolic gesture of commitment, stakeholders signed the guide to signal their support for the establishment of safe school zones.
Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala echoed the urgency of behavioural change among road users and emphasise that road safety is a collective responsibility.
“This is therefore, a call for action and participation by the private sector to take an interest in Road safety through this conference. The effect of Road Crashes could be either on their employees or their customers,” the minister said
In his remarks, the ROSACU Chairperson, Mr. Fred Tumwine, thanked the government for its collaborative efforts in making the conference a success. He called upon all road safety stakeholders to renew their commitment to safer roads by investing in safer infrastructure, enforcing traffic laws, and raising public awareness on road safety. He emphasized that “a nation that protects its people on the road is a nation that invests in its future.”
The conference featured impactful speeches, expert panel discussions, and interactive engagements between stakeholders from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Civil Society Organisations, Road User Groups and enforcement bodies. Participants discussed strategies for partnerships/collaborations with private sector, better Road Safety Management, safe roads and mobility, and policy and governance in Road safety among others.
The National Road Safety Conference marked a turning point in Uganda’s road safety journey. By opening up a shared platform for dialogue and collaborations, ROSACU and the ministry of Works and Transport have set the stage for a more integrated and inclusive approach to Road safety. As the country moves forward, the call for stronger partnerships and action across all sectors remains vital to transforming Uganda’s roads into safer spaces for all users.
