ROSACU proudly celebrates a major achievement: the successful completion of its Six-Month Communications Program for Road Safety Communications Officers. This dynamic initiative trained 22 outstanding communications professionals representing various ROSACU member organizations, equipping them with the skills to lead effective road safety advocacy across Uganda.
A special note of appreciation goes to the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) for its unwavering support, which was central to the program’s success. The program was expertly facilitated by Mr. Asim Khan, GHAI’s Associate Director of Communications, ensuring participants received world-class guidance and mentorship.
Focused on enhancing digital advocacy skills, the program enabled participants to design and execute impactful online campaigns addressing two critical road safety issues: helmet use and speed management. Through expert-led sessions and practical exercises, participants not only showcased creativity and innovation but also demonstrated how strategic communication can directly contribute to safer roads and saving lives.
This program underscores the power of strong partnerships and capacity-building in driving meaningful public health impact. ROSACU is deeply grateful to GHAI for their support, guidance, and commitment to strengthening local advocacy, proving that effective communication is a vital tool in advancing road safety in Uganda.
The recognized participants convey appreciation
I was first introduced to media communications and was quickly impressed by its successful influence, which inspired me greatly. Mr. Asim’s engaging training sessions further motivated me to participate and push myself to apply what i was learning. As a life instructor at a higher level, I have forever supported the importance of manageable speeds among my clients. The Speed Campaign is well-timed, especially as Uganda is faced with increasing traffic and the growing challenge of boda-boda riders. A majority of these riders and drivers are school leavers or dropouts seeking livelihoods in the transport industry, making continuous awareness essential, especially given that speed remains one of the leading killers in the world.
My Message to the Public; Speed Saves time… but Speed Kills!. Do not go beyond the Speed you can manage.
As a Road Safety Communicator and Advocate, my role involves raising awareness, educating the public, gathering data, and engaging with the media to highlight critical road safety issues. My work is meant to inspire actions and create impact, and achieving this requires hard work and continuous learning. In Ugandan schools, we do not have a standardized program or set of lessons that teach us about road safety. There is no nationwide curriculum, and this means we can only rely on alternative learning avenues such as skill-building workshops, fellowships, mentorship programs, and online resources. That’s why GHAI’s 6-month training program is incredibly valuable to me. It also builds the capacity of those who want to contribute to change and strengthen impact in their communities. I encourage fellow road safety communicators to actively seek out opportunities like this and make the most of them with passion and commitment. These kinds of free opportunities are very few, most organizations charge expensively to train.
I joined the program because I enjoy telling stories in diverse formats, even though road safety messaging was new to me. Learning from Mr. Asim about using social media as a tool for advocacy was both exciting and empowering, especially with the creative freedom we were given. The experience also showed me that you don’t need to be a professional designer to create powerful, engaging content; anyone can do it with the right tools and guidance.
My passion for communication, especially advocacy, motivated me to take part in the Digital Communications challenge. I was driven by a strong desire to raise awareness among young people and educate communities about road safety. Through creative expression and strategic messaging, I used my voice to promote responsible behavior and champion safer roads for all.
“With visuals, every word, image, and color strip tells a story. For me, anything that compromises good health and well-being resonates deeply, and that’s what inspires my designs”.
Mr. Kalema’s project focused on raising awareness about motorcycle helmet types and the importance of helmet standards. Recognizing the critical role helmets play in reducing road traffic injuries and fatalities, his campaign educates the public about the four main types of motorcycle helmets: Modular Helmets, Off-Road Helmets, Full-Face Helmets, and Open-Face Helmets. A full-face Helmet stands out as the most protective option because it offers full coverage for the chin and jaw areas, particularly vulnerable during crashes.
I joined the social media challenge to stretch my creativity and showcase my capacity. As a communications person, I believe in leading by example, and stepping up, I hoped to inspire my team to do the same.
My support for Speed Campaign goes beyond professional interest, its personal. I was involved in a road crash caused by speeding, an incident that changed the course of my life. I know the irreversible pain that speed can bring. It’s a reminder that behind every road safety statistic is human life, a family, a story permanently altered.
Speeding is often seen as a minor offense, but the consequences can be devastating and irreversible. By raising awareness and advocating for behavioral change, I believe we can save lives. Speeding is preventable and so are the tragedies it causes. Together we can slow down, save lives, and create safer journeys for everyone.
The acknowledged recipients during photo moments
Left and center: Winners recognized by ROSACU member organizations and the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), represented by In-Country Coordinator Ms. Maria Nkalubo, during ROSACU’s monthly meeting at The Africa Centres for Media Excellence in Bunga, Kampala. Right: The winners were hosted by the United Nations Association of Uganda (UNA-U) for a congratulatory dinner in Nakasero, Kampala, celebrating their outstanding achievement and marking a milestone in their road safety advocacy journey.