Watu Shule extends road safety campaign to Fort Portal

FORT PORTAL - In a bid to enhance road safety and support the development of safe, skilled riders in Western Uganda, Watu Uganda, last week, unveiled “Watu Shule," a specialised motorcycle riding school in Fort Portal City.

This initiative is particularly critical given Uganda’s alarming road safety statistics. In 2023 alone, for instance, the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety of the Uganda Police Force recorded 23,600 crashes, with over 4,000 fatalities and 4,806 fatal casualties.

Speaking at the launch, 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.

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.

Through its specialised training, the initiative is actively addressing challenges affecting the sector by instilling safer riding habits, improving awareness of traffic regulations, and ensuring that riders receive the necessary skills and permits to operate responsibly on Uganda’s roads.

SP Peninah Magambo, the Rwenzori West Region Traffic Officer, commended Watu Shule’s initiative, highlighting the rise in road traffic fatalities in Uganda by 10% over the past decade.

“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.”

One of Watu Shule's key differentiators is its structured program, which emphasises 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 recently 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.

Despite being identified as risky yet employing millions across the country, boda bodas are an essential part of Uganda’s transport network, connecting communities to schools, markets, and healthcare facilities, especially in rural areas.