Disturbing new statistics reveal that motorcycle riders account for a staggering 55 percent of all road accident fatalities, while pedestrians make up the vast majority of crash victims. In response to this growing crisis, the Rotary Club of Sonde has stepped in to spearhead a vital road safety campaign. The initiative targets boda-boda riders and schoolchildren, equipping them with life-saving road-use skills. Let's get the details from Emma's report

More than 12,084 people were involved in road crashes last year, with 5,383 classified as serious accidents, while 2,525 involved motorcycles.

These alarming figures have prompted the Rotary Club of Sonde to launch a road safety campaign aimed at training boda boda riders and school children on proper road use to help reduce road crashes.

The training was conducted at Misidye Church of Uganda Primary School, where more than 20 boda boda riders and pupils participated.

Speaking on behalf of the riders, Richard Kagolo, the chairperson of Boda Boda Riders in Goma, said the sector continues to face challenges such as drunken riding, drug abuse, overloading passengers, and failure to observe traffic regulations.

He noted that the training will equip riders with better road safety skills and help reduce fatalities among their colleagues, and revealed that they have agreed to enforce stricter disciplinary measures against riders who disregard traffic rules.

Boda boda rider Moses Mutyaba appealed to the Rotary Club to support efforts aimed at establishing safe pedestrian waiting areas for children before crossing busy roads, saying the current requirements for such facilities are difficult to meet. He also urged all motorcycle passengers to exercise caution and called on authorities to install zebra crossings in areas frequently used by school children.

The president of the Rotary Club of Sonde, David N. Salasata, said they identified a growing need to educate communities about responsible road use and the importance of understanding and observing road signs. He appealed to the public to put the knowledge into practice.

The head teacher of Misidye Church of Uganda Primary School, Meseach Mutesasira, welcomed the initiative, saying the school continues to face challenges with pupils crossing the road, noting that one learner had previously been knocked by a vehicle. He also appealed for the installation of a zebra crossing near the school.

Some of the pupils also shared their experiences and concerns about the challenges they face while using the road alongside boda boda riders.