The Rotary Club of Kabarole has launched the Rider Improvement for Decent Employment (RIDE) Project aimed at improving road safety, protecting riders, and promoting responsible road use among boda boda operators in Fort Portal City.
Speaking during the 42nd Rotary Club President installation at Fort Breeze Hotel over the weekend, the incoming President Doreen Kaakyo said boda boda transport remains vital for affordable mobility, but riders continue to face challenges including poor road safety awareness, lack of protective gear, and rising road accidents.
The RIDE Project will address these gaps through practical interventions, including training 500 boda boda riders in road safety, defensive riding, accident prevention, customer care, and responsible road use. The club will also provide 500 reflective jackets and 500 helmets to improve visibility and safety.
In addition, the project will rehabilitate and repaint four key zebra crossings in Fort Portal City and conduct city-wide road safety awareness campaigns targeting riders, motorists, passengers, and pedestrians.
Project Service Director Rotarian Franklin Tumuhairwe says the initiative will improve road safety knowledge, promote use of protective gear, enhance pedestrian safety, and strengthen partnerships with city authorities, police, boda boda associations, and the community.
The Uganda Human Rights Commission Commissioner Col. Steven Basaliza welcomed the initiative, noting it comes at a critical time when road accidents are on the rise and will help promote safer and more responsible road use.