A group of Kampala boda boda riders is gearing up to launch a marathon to raise funds for ambulances in efforts to address the rising number of accidents involving cyclists in the city.
The marathon, dubbed the ”Boda Boda Riders General Road Users Marathon,” will take place on Saturday, August 27, 2024, and the funds raised will be directed towards procuring ambulances and ensuring timely medical assistance for accident victims.
During a meeting with all boda boda team leaders of the Kampala Metropolitan Area on August 20, 2024, in Kanyanya, Kawempe division, Godfrey Baluku Kabyanga, the State Minister for ICT and National Guidance, reiterated the government’s support for the initiative, emphasizing the need for such measures to improve road safety.
“This marathon is not just about raising funds; it’s a call to action for all road users to prioritize safety and support one another,” he said.
The event organizers have called upon the general public, urging both riders and non-riders to join efforts in promoting road safety awareness and solidarity among road users.
Recent statistics reported by the police show that road traffic crashes are the leading causes of death among children and youth aged between 5 and 29 years and the 12th cause of death countrywide, with more than half of the fatalities among pedestrians, motorcyclists and cyclists. According to the traffic police department, between July 28, 2024, and August 3, 2024, boda boda-related fatalities ranked the highest among other road accidents, with 34 out of 64 road fatalities.
