Building on the progress made in previous years, 2026 brings a comprehensive set of initiatives that ROSACU is committed to sustaining and scaling up. The coalition will continue focusing on advocating for stronger enforcement of road safety laws, improving road infrastructure, expanding research and data collection, scaling up boda-boda safety programmes, enhancing public transport safety, promoting safer school zones, leading public awareness campaigns, strengthening emergency response systems, advancing policy reforms, and deepening engagement with communities.
The work ahead is extensive, but it is necessary to achieve safer roads for all.
With the combined expertise of its diverse member organizations working together under ROSACU, alongside strong support from government institutions and international partners, the coalition remains confident that it can address key challenges and deliver greater impact.
Recently, we spoke with ROSACU Chairperson Mr. Fred Tumwiine, who reflected on the coalition’s steady progress while acknowledging that significant challenges remain. He identified limited resources as one of the major constraints facing the organization but expressed optimism that, through a clear understanding of these challenges and by sustaining commitment, expertise, and collaboration, ROSACU can overcome them.
“We are confident we can accomplish what we have started if we maintain the passion and dedication that guided us from the beginning,” Mr. Tumwiine said
Highlights on ROSACU’s Priority Areas
Funding and Financial Sustainability; The most pressing challenge facing ROSACU today is financial sustainability.
With an expanded membership base and increased expertise, ROSACU has identified key areas requiring urgent attention. The challenge now is mobilizing resources to implement solutions and respond effectively to Uganda’s road safety needs.
Sustainability, Teamwork, and Partnerships
ROSACU has grown from five founding member organizations to nearly 40 members and aims to expand its membership to 100 organizations to strengthen partnerships and collective impact.
A larger coalition will provide stronger structures, wider expertise, and a more influential voice when engaging government institutions and development partners.
One key lesson ROSACU has learned is that individual efforts alone cannot attract meaningful partnerships or achieve lasting change. Road safety advocacy in Uganda has existed for many years, but fragmented efforts often limited its impact. Through a united coalition, ROSACU has achieved greater progress within a few years than many isolated initiatives were able to accomplish over decades.
Youth Engagement
Engaging young people is one of the most effective approaches to achieving safer roads in Uganda. Young people represent a significant proportion of road users and are among those most affected by road crashes.
Their experiences, creativity, innovation, and knowledge are essential in shaping effective road safety interventions.
URRENO, led by ROSACU Chairperson Mr. Tumwiine, demonstrates the value of youth involvement, with approximately 90% of its staff being young people. The organization has become a leading advocate for road safety in Uganda.
ROSACU will continue promoting youth leadership, supporting youth-led initiatives, and creating opportunities for young people to actively contribute to safer roads across the country.
Strengthening Member Commitment
ROSACU will continue strengthening engagement among members by promoting a shared purpose and encouraging the fair exchange of resources, knowledge, and responsibilities.
Members are encouraged to participate based on their passion and commitment to saving lives. Through regular engagement, ROSACU will better understand members’ needs, identify opportunities for collaboration, and strengthen its collective ability to advocate for sustainable road safety solutions.
Engaging the Private Sector
The private sector has a critical role to play in advancing road safety efforts. Businesses benefit directly from safer roads through reduced economic losses, healthier employees, and improved productivity.
ROSACU encourages private-sector partners to support road safety initiatives through investment in policy development, enforcement support, awareness campaigns, research, and community programmes.
With increased private-sector participation, Uganda can accelerate the implementation of effective road safety measures and reduce road crashes.
Citizen-Centred Action
Citizens experience the impact of road safety challenges every day and have an important role in creating safer roads.
Communities across Uganda, both rural and urban, can contribute by:
- Participating in road safety campaigns and educating fellow citizens.
- Following traffic rules and encouraging others to do the same.
- Sharing concerns about unsafe roads and dangerous transport practices.
- Supporting government efforts to develop practical solutions.
- Encouraging young people to adopt safer road behaviours.
- Contributing skills, knowledge, or resources to road safety advocacy.
Road safety is not solely the responsibility of government; it is a shared national responsibility. Uganda has previously demonstrated the power of collective action in addressing major public health challenges such as HIV and COVID-19. The same spirit of unity can help reduce road crashes and save lives.
A Legacy of Unity and Stronger Voices
As the first Chairperson of ROSACU, Mr. Tumwiine says his vision has always been to build a strong, united coalition capable of amplifying road safety advocacy in Uganda.
Together, ROSACU has attracted members, government institutions, and international partners while contributing to important initiatives, including advocacy around speed management and child restraint policies.
His hope is to leave behind a more inclusive coalition that continues to grow, strengthen partnerships, and amplify the voices of those working to improve road safety.
Road crashes continue to affect too many families across Uganda. Reducing these tragedies requires collective action from government, the private sector, civil society, communities, and individual citizens. Together, these stakeholders can create safer roads and protect lives.