Stakeholders launch tyre safety campaign to help reduce road crashes

3 July 2026, 10:28 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Road safety stakeholders have launched a campaign aimed at promoting the use of safe tyres as part of efforts to reduce road crashes and fatalities in Uganda.

The campaign was launched on Thursday at Bwaise Taxi Terminal in Kampala by the Uganda Police Force’s Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, the Federation of Uganda Taxi Operators (UTOF), Safe Transport and Survivors Support Uganda (STASSU), and other partners. The initiative seeks to educate motorists on how to identify roadworthy tyres and understand their lifespan.

Speaking at the launch, STASSU Executive Director Sam Bambanza urged the government, through the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), to strengthen enforcement to ensure only quality tyres are imported into the country.

“We call upon the government, through the Uganda National Bureau of Standards, to enforce the law and ensure that all tyres imported into the country meet the required standards,” Bambanza said.

The Chairman of Bwaise Taxi Terminal, Ndibo Muzamiru, said the terminal had partnered with the Uganda Police Force to improve road safety by training enforcement officers.

“As Bwaise Terminal, we found it necessary to train a team that will support the police in promoting road safety. I am pleased that they have completed the training, received their certificates, and are ready to begin work immediately. We thank the Uganda Police Force for equipping them with the necessary skills,” he said.

Lawrence Ddamulira, representing UTOF, welcomed the initiative and pledged the federation’s support. He also encouraged members of the public to report misconduct by enforcement officers.

“Our enforcement officers have identification numbers on their uniforms. If any officer behaves unprofessionally, note the number and report it to us. We shall take appropriate action because no one is above the law,” Ddamulira said.

According to the latest Uganda Police Force Annual Crime Report, road crashes remain a major public safety concern. More than 26,000 crashes are recorded annually, resulting in about 5,383 deaths, an average of 15 fatalities every day and over 25,800 injuries.

The report indicates that pedestrians, motorcyclists and their passengers account for the majority of those killed or injured in road crashes. Young men aged between 20 and 29 years are among the most affected groups, highlighting the need for continued road safety awareness and enforcement initiatives.