Stakeholders have raised concerns over the increasing number of boda boda riders and passengers being injured or killed in traffic crashes across Uganda.
It is estimated that more than 15,000 traffic crashes occur every year, resulting in thousands of deaths and overwhelming emergency wards such as those at Mulago Hospital.
Road safety advocates say head injuries remain one of the leading causes of death among boda boda riders and passengers involved in accidents. According to safety experts, about 40% of boda boda accident victims die from severe head injuries.
The concerns were raised during a stakeholders’ dialogue organised by the Safe African Helmet Initiative at Fairway Hotel.
Speaking at the meeting, Irene Namuyiga, the general manager of the Safe African Helmet Initiative, called on government agencies, including the ministry of Works and Transport and the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), to establish a helmet testing laboratory in the country.
Namuyiga said many boda boda riders use substandard helmets that offer little protection during crashes.
“We continue to lose many lives because riders and passengers are using fake or poor-quality helmets. Many riders are unaware that the helmets they buy do not meet safety standards. A testing laboratory would help ensure that only approved helmets are sold on the market,” she said.
She also proposed that every motorcycle sold in Uganda should come with at least two helmets, one for the rider and another for the passenger.
“We believe this would greatly improve safety for both riders and passengers,” she added.
Justine Opus, the deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police traffic officer, welcomed the proposal to establish a standard helmet testing facility in Uganda.
“We need quality and standard helmets to improve the safety of road users, especially boda boda riders,” Opus said. “It is also worrying that in many cases the rider wears a helmet while the passenger has none. Motorcycle dealers and distributors should provide two helmets with every motorcycle sold.”
He also urged riders and passengers to prioritise road safety and proper helmet use.
Meanwhile, Rushenyi County MP Naome Kabasharira pledged to raise the issue of road safety in Parliament.
Kabasharira supported the proposal for a helmet testing laboratory and called for increased public sensitisation about fake and substandard helmets on the market.
“We must create more awareness among the public because many people cannot tell the difference between genuine and fake helmets,” she said.
She also urged boda boda riders to avoid reckless riding, saying discipline on the roads remained critical in reducing accidents and saving lives.
