ROSACU Joins Ministry of Works and Transport to Advance National Road Safety Efforts
As Uganda enters the high-risk festive travel period, the Government has intensified efforts to address the country’s persistent road safety challenges through the launch of Road Safety Week (RSW) 2025. Officially inaugurated on 18 December 2025 at the Namanve Motor Vehicle Inspection (MVI) Centre in Kampala, this year’s campaign is being implemented under the theme “Safe Vehicles for a Safer Uganda.”
This national initiative aims to reduce road crashes by promoting vehicle roadworthiness, responsible road use, and stronger collaboration among key stakeholders. The launch brought together representatives from government, civil society, development partners, and the transport sector. Among those in attendance were members of the Road Safety Advocacy Coalition Uganda (ROSACU) and its partners, including the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), represented by its In-Country Coordinator, Ms. Maria N. Nkalubo.
Government Emphasizes Shared Responsibility for Vehicle Safety
While addressing participants at the launch, Ms. Barbara Namugambe, representing the Minister of Works and Transport, underscored the critical role of vehicle safety in preventing road crashes. She emphasized that ensuring roadworthy vehicles is a shared responsibility.
“Every Ugandan must understand that vehicle safety is a collective obligation. Government, fleet owners, transport operators, and individual motorists must all play their part in ensuring that vehicles on our roads are fit for use,” she noted.
The event featured a live demonstration of the Motor Vehicle Inspection (MVI) process, providing stakeholders with firsthand insight into how vehicle assessments will be conducted once the programme is fully rolled out. The Ministry further confirmed that enforcement of the inspection regime will begin with government-owned vehicles, signaling leadership commitment before extending compliance requirements nationwide.
Nationwide Road Safety Week Activities
Road Safety Week activities are being implemented across the country, extending beyond Kampala to engage communities at the grassroots level. In Tororo District, the Ministry of Works and Transport, together with the Uganda Police Force and partners, held dialogues with transport operators, security agencies, and community leaders to examine the causes of road crashes and identify practical solutions. Discussions focused on compliance with traffic laws, valid operating permits, and regular vehicle maintenance.
In Mbarara City, ROSACU, represented by its member organizations Road Safety Club Uganda (ROSA Club) and Safe Transport and Survivors Support Uganda (STASSU), partnered with the Ministry to mark the week through infrastructure-based interventions. The team commissioned six renovated zebra crossings, reinforcing pedestrian safety in identified high-risk urban locations. The activity was attended by the ROSACU General Secretary, Mr. Sam Bambanza, and the ROSA Club Managing Director, Mr. Thomson Sam Mwesigwa.
Similar initiatives, including improved road markings, pedestrian crossings, and community sensitization campaigns, are being implemented in other regions as part of the nationwide observance.
Promoting Safer Behaviour on the Roads
Beyond infrastructure and vehicle standards, Road Safety Week 2025 places strong emphasis on behavioural change. The campaign reminds drivers and riders that even the safest vehicle poses risks if operated irresponsibly. Key messages call for the avoidance of speeding, drink-driving, overloading, distracted driving, and other high-risk behaviours that contribute significantly to road crashes.
Why Road Safety Week Matters
Road Safety Week plays a critical role in Uganda’s road safety agenda by:
- Raising nationwide awareness about preventable road deaths and injuries
- Promoting vehicle roadworthiness and compliance with inspection requirements
- Encouraging safer driving and riding behaviours
- Strengthening collaboration between government, civil society, and communities
- Reducing fatalities and injuries during high-risk festive travel periods
Throughout the week, media engagements, community dialogues, and outreach activities continue to reinforce a central message: road crashes are preventable, and collective action can save lives.