FORT PORTAL – Uganda is grappling with a road safety crisis, with alarming statistics highlighting the need for urgent action. In 2023, the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety of the Uganda Police Force recorded 23,600 crashes, resulting in over 4,000 fatalities and 4,806 fatal casualties. Motorcycles were involved in 36% of these crashes, with riders and passengers accounting for 45% of the victims. The primary causes of these accidents are careless overtaking and speeding, which account for 52% of all crashes.
In response to this crisis, Watu Uganda, a leading asset financing company, has launched “Watu Shule,” a specialized motorcycle riding school in Fort Portal City. The school aims to provide accessible, high-quality motorcycle training to enhance road safety and support the development of safe, skilled riders in Uganda, particularly in the bodaboda sector. Watu Shule specializes in motorcycle riding school and is run by Watu Uganda.
Watu Shule’s program offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes both theoretical and hands-on training, covering essential areas such as motorcycle operation, traffic regulations, and safe riding practices. This holistic approach is designed to equip riders with the skills and knowledge to navigate Uganda’s roads responsibly, reducing the risks associated with motorcycle riding. Since its inception, Watu Shule has enrolled over 3,000 clients, with more than 250 riders enrolling since the launch of the Fort Portal branch in December.
Christian Kamukama, Head of Commercial at Watu Uganda, highlighted the school’s mission to close the skills gap in the motorcycle sector, aiming to boost road safety and support youth in securing sustainable livelihoods. “Fort Portal City is an ideal launch location for Watu Shule in Western Uganda. We’re confident this initiative will empower local riders, improve road safety, and drive economic growth,” Kamukama stated. The school will support parts of western Uganda, including districts like Masaka, Fort Portal, Kagadi, Hoima, and others.
One of Watu Shule’s key differentiators is its structured program, which emphasizes safety, professionalism, and regulatory compliance. The school provides one-on-one guidance from certified trainers and ensures that graduates are well-equipped with the necessary skills to ride safely and responsibly. To further support its graduates, Watu Uganda has partnered with the Ministry of Works and Transport to assist riders with the licensing process, ensuring a smooth transition into their careers as qualified, legally compliant riders. This collaboration aims to reduce the number of unlicensed riders on the roads, enhance overall road safety, and promote adherence to traffic regulations.
ASP Atwijuke Bannet, the Fort Portal Road Traffic Commander, commended Watu Shule’s initiative, stating, “This school will strengthen road safety in the entire region by providing quality motorcycle training and critical skills for safe and responsible riding. As the police, we are committed to collaborating with Watu Shule to enhance road safety.”
The launch of Watu Shule in Fort Portal is part of a larger initiative by Watu Uganda to expand motorcycle training schools across the country. The vision is to establish Watu Shule as Uganda’s leading motorcycle riding school and set new standards for quality and safety in the industry.
Bodabodas are an essential part of Uganda’s transport network, connecting communities to schools, markets, and healthcare facilities, especially in rural areas. They also play a significant economic role, supporting a wide range of local industries. Approximately 45% of road accidents are currently caused by bodaboda, hence the need for specialized road safety training. Watu Shule aims to bridge this gap by offering free, structured training and assisting new riders in obtaining necessary licenses, promoting safer practices throughout the sector.
With road traffic fatalities in Uganda having risen by 10% over the past decade, motorcycles are involved in nearly 45% of these incidents. Uganda’s boda boda sector, supporting over 2 million riders, faces ongoing challenges related to safety and regulatory compliance. High upfront costs for training have kept many riders from obtaining essential permits, contributing to unsafe practices on the roads. Watu Shule’s initiative is a step towards addressing these challenges and creating a safer, more responsible riding community in Uganda.
