Liberty General Insurance Uganda Limited has launched the SMART Journeys Project, an initiative aimed at improving road safety and reducing road crashes ahead of the festive season. The programme will train bus drivers, transport operators and vehicle owners in road safety, defensive driving and risk management to help prevent accidents.
Speaking at the launch, the company’s Head of Sales and Marketing, Raphael Bisaso, said the initiative is a proactive effort to improve safety standards in Uganda’s transport sector. He noted that the project seeks to help transport operators identify and manage risks before they result in accidents and financial losses.
The launch brought together officials from government, regulators, transport operators, financiers and road safety partners to promote a shift from reacting to road crashes to preventing them. Liberty said the initiative aligns with its Customer Service Week theme, “The Extra Mile,” by helping customers manage risks before losses occur.
Liberty’s Acting Managing Director and Country Head of Operations, Paul Kavuma, said SMART Journeys is designed to promote safer transport operations, reduce road incidents, protect passengers and cargo, and ensure businesses continue operating efficiently. He stressed that preventing accidents is more effective than responding after they happen.
Kenneth Kawalya, Head of Credit, Business and Commercial Banking for Stanbic Bank said transport risks are interconnected and should be managed throughout the entire vehicle operation cycle. He added that access to vehicle financing should be supported by strong risk management measures to ensure safer transport operations.
The Assistant Commissioner for Road Transport Regulation and Safety at the Ministry of Works and Transport, Apollo Kashanku, urged stakeholders to prioritise crash prevention through regular safety checks, improved road safety certification and continuous driver training. He also called for stronger collaboration among all players in the transport sector.
Also speaking at the event, the Director of Supervision at the Insurance Regulatory Authority of Uganda (IRA), Obel Benard, said insurance should complement good risk management rather than replace it. He encouraged transport operators to invest in roadworthy vehicles, regular maintenance, GPS and driver monitoring technologies, emergency preparedness and workers’ compensation cover.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the Safe Transport and Survivors Support Uganda (STASSU), Sam Bababanza, said most road crashes are preventable. He urged motorists to avoid speeding, using mobile phones while driving and drink driving, describing them as risky behaviours that can be changed to save lives
