More than 18,600 boda boda riders across Uganda have been trained in first aid and emergency response under the SAFE STEPS Road Safety Campaign, marking one of the country’s biggest pushes to equip road users with life saving capabilities.
The campaign, implemented by the Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) in partnership with Prudential Uganda is designed to turn riders into capable first responders who can stabilise accident victims before medical teams arrive. The final phase of the training was completed at the Nakawa Vocational Training Institute where over 6,000 riders received their certificates.
According to URCS, the programme focuses on practical skills such as managing bleeding, handling fractures, moving victims safely and making timely emergency calls. Riders were also trained in road safety rules, helmet use, speed discipline and avoiding drunk or distracted riding.
Prudential Uganda CEO Tetteh Ayitevie praised the milestone emphasising the importance of community-level first response.
“We are proud to have reached 18,600 riders with life saving knowledge,” he said.
The training was supported by the Uganda Police Traffic Directorate and the Ministry of Works and Transport with authorities saying boda riders who are often first at accident scenes play a crucial role in reducing fatalities during the golden hour after crashes.
Road safety experts say the initiative reflects global best practice especially in countries where emergency services face delays reaching crash sites. With thousands of trained riders now spread across Uganda, officials hope the programme will significantly reduce preventable deaths and improve the quality of immediate roadside care.
URCS says additional phases and refresher courses are planned to grow the nationwide network of trained first responders and extend the campaign into more districts.