Traffic police have welcomed the establishment of the Uganda’s inaugural motorcycle training school, Watu Shule, a subsidiary of Watu Uganda, which is set to address growing concerns over road safety, particularly for motorcycle riders.
According to SP Michael Kananura, the spokesperson for the Traffic Police, the initiative comes at a critical time as motorcycle-related accidents continue to escalate. “In 2023, we were losing about five people every day in motorcycle crashes. So far, statistics for this year show an increase to six deaths per day,” Kananura said. He noted that boda bodas, have consistently contributed to more than half of the daily road fatalities.
Kananura highlighted the challenge of training riders, noting that police have long faced difficulties in finding proper venues to train motorcyclists. “Boda bodas are always at the top of the statistics, and we’ve frequently been asked where we are training them. Watu Shule’s opening provides a solution,” he said.
He said the Traffic Police is optimistic that formal training will help instill discipline in riders, particularly in traffic regulations. Kananura also pointed out that many riders who lack driving licenses often disregard road rules due to fear of being arrested. “This initiative will also help riders acquire licenses easily, making them more compliant with traffic laws,” he added.
Christian Kamukama, Head of Commercial at Watu Uganda, emphasized the school’s role in promoting compliance among motorcyclists. “We saw a gap in the industry where many riders lacked knowledge of road regulations. Watu Shule aims to fill this gap by offering affordable, quality training that helps riders become roadworthy and compliant with all regulatory requirements,” Kamukama explained.
Kamukama further noted that Watu Uganda, being a major player in the industry, felt a responsibility to ensure that its clients are well-prepared for the road. “We aim to create a holistic service that meets the expectations of regulators, including the Ministry of Works, the police, and other stakeholders,” he said.
Michael Kamoga, the Head of Safety at the Ministry of Works and Transport noted the need for collective effort to achieve road safety in Uganda. He said the ministry has been amending traffic regulations to address predominant and emerging challenges.
“The Traffic and Road Safety Amendment Act of 2020, along with the recent 2023 regulations, aims to make riding safer. New rules mandate that motorcyclists carry two helmets and limit passenger numbers. We have also made licenses more affordable, addressing the financial concerns many riders had,” Kamoga explained.
He added that the Ministry is also cracking down on the use of alcohol and drugs among motorcyclists, which have contributed to the rise in road accidents. “We are committed to ensuring that motorcyclists operate within a safe and regulated environment,” he said.
The lack of proper training for motorcycle riders has been a long-standing issue in Uganda, especially in urban areas like Kampala. Irene Namuyiga, the Road Safety Engineer at KCCA noted that many riders are self-trained in less-than-ideal conditions such as football fields and busy streets. “It’s great that Watu Shule has filled this gap. A formal training school will not only improve rider behavior but also address one of the city’s biggest traffic issues,” he said.
Namuyiga also urged that future training curriculums incorporate Electric Mobility (E-Mobility) to help reduce fossil fuel usage and improve air quality. She said Motorcycles are among the largest contributors to poor air quality in the city, making it crucial to shift towards more sustainable forms of transport.
She said city authorities are hopeful that Watu Shule will help reduce the number of road fatalities and create a safer environment for all road users.
