By Brenda Chipo
Ugandan drivers and riders have been urged to exercise extra caution on the roads, as reckless driving accounts for 52% of all road accidents in the country.
These accidents not only claim innocent lives but also result in a loss of 5% of Uganda’s GDP each year. On average, Uganda loses 14 lives daily, with 70 more people requiring medical attention due to road accidents.
During a press briefing in Kampala, Joe Walker Foundation CEO, Joel Walker Joseph Beyanga, highlighted the urgent need for change. He pointed out that reckless driving continues to cause immense harm to both individuals and the nation’s economy.
“Starting February 24, the public will unite to raise awareness about road safety. We’ll be walking for 10 days from Kampala to Gulu, visiting various towns to engage road users on the importance of safe driving,” Walker announced at the briefing.
This marks the fifth edition of the walk, an initiative that has already made a significant impact in previous areas it has reached. The walk’s main goal is to raise awareness and show solidarity with people across the country who use Uganda’s roads.
Walker emphasized that everyone is welcome to join, and there’s no fee to participate—participants only need to cover their upkeep during the journey.
“We’re glad to see that the Ministry of Works and Transport has also supported this initiative, as they have a similar agenda to reduce road accidents,” Walker added.
Joshua Jaafa Watwaluma, from Pride Microfinance, pledged support for the walk-in in various towns along the route.
Paul Kavuma, CEO of Jubilee General Insurance, expressed his concern about the rising road fatalities: “Road accidents should not claim lives as malaria does. We can prevent these accidents through responsible driving,” he said. “Let’s make it our responsibility to drive safely and ensure that we all get home safely.”
During the walk from Kampala to Gulu, Coca-Cola has pledged to provide three million shillings and water to participants. Hope Mukunde from Nicole Foundation, who has worked closely with the Joe Walker Foundation in previous years, reiterated their commitment to the cause.
“Our foundation, Nicole Foundation, was founded 20 years ago after a tragic accident involving a young girl named Nicole. The support we received from people to help her recover inspired us to keep working for road safety,” Mukunde explained.
The Joe Walker Foundation has remained unwavering in its commitment to safe roads and responsible driving over the last four walks, and it continues to encourage others to get involved.
For those unable to walk but still eager to contribute, there is an opportunity to sponsor participants for a fee of 100,000 shillings per day.
Why Choose the Gulu Route?
Gulu was chosen as the destination for this walk due to its significance as a commercial hub in northern Uganda. The city plays a crucial role in trade and agriculture, connecting local farmers with larger business markets. With Gulu’s importance in agriculture, safe and reliable transportation is vital for ensuring that goods are moved efficiently and that the population remains safe from the dangers of road accidents.
