A key area of focus for the United Nations Association of Uganda (UNAU) has been road safety advocacy. Uganda faces a growing crisis of road traffic injuries, particularly among young riders and passengers using motorcycles, commonly known as bodabodas. Many of these accidents involve riders without proper protective gear,such as standard motorcycle helmets. To address this, UNAU has actively championed the promotion and use of certified helmets.
Amongst UNAU’s flagship programs is the Uganda Model United Nations (UMUN) conference. This annual simulation engages students and young leaders to deliberate on global challenges, including road safety, and propose actionable solutions. Through such initiatives, UNAU nurtures a generation of young Ugandans committed to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through innovative approaches such as digital media advocacy, UNAU’s campaigns have reached over31,000 people online, supported by trained university chapter members skilled in social media management and advocacy. These youth-led campaigns have been pivotal in challenging misconceptions around helmet use and raising awareness about the importance of certified protective gear.
The United Nations Association of Uganda, affiliated with the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA), has for over 25 years promoted the ideals of the United Nations in Uganda. With expertise in policy advocacy, youth empowerment, and media engagement, UNAU has become a trusted platform for dialogue, solutions, and meaningful action under the leadership of its Secretary-General. While progress has been made, challenges remain. Road safety in Uganda requires stronger policy enforcement, community behavior change, and broader access to standard helmets. As one youth advocate from UNAU emphasized, “Every life lost to preventable road crashes is one too many.