Watu Uganda, a leading asset financing company, has officially opened a specialized motorcycle riding school in Fort Portal City.
The school is dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality motorcycle training to enhance road safety and support the development of safe, skilled riders in Uganda, particularly in the bodaboda (motorcycle taxi) sector.
Approximately 45% of road accidents are currently caused by bodaboda, hence the need for specialized road safety training.
Since its inception, Watu Shule has enrolled over 3,000clients, with more than 250 riders enrolling since
the launch of the Fort Portal branch in December.
This initiative is particularly critical given Uganda’s alarming road safety statistics. In 2023 alone, the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety of the Uganda Police Force recorded 23,600 crashes, with over 4,000 fatalities and 4,806 fatal casualties. Shockingly, motorcycles were involved in 36% of these crashes, and motorcycle riders and passengers accounted for over 45% of the victims. Moreover, 52% of these crashes were caused by careless overtaking and speeding, highlighting the urgent need for structured road safety education.
Through its specialized training, Watu Shule is actively addressing these challenges by instilling safer
riding habits, improving awareness of traffic regulations, and ensuring that riders receive the necessary
skills and permits to operate responsibly on Uganda’s roads.
Watu Shule’s program offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes both theoretical and hands-on
training, covering essential areas such as motorcycle operation, traffic regulations, and safe riding
practices. This holistic approach is designed to equip riders with the skills and knowledge to navigate
Uganda;s roads responsibly, reducing the risks associated with motorcycle riding.
Speaking at the launch, Christian Kamukama, Head of Commercial at Watu Uganda, highlighted the
school’s mission to close the skills gap in the motorcycle sector, aiming to boost road safety and support
youth in securing sustainable livelihoods. “Fort Portal City is an ideal launch location for Watu Shule in
Western Uganda. We’re confident this initiative will empower local riders, improve road safety, and
drive economic growth,” Kamukama stated. He said the school will support parts of western Uganda,
including districts like Masaka, Fort Portal, Kagadi, Hoima and others.
One of Watu Shule;s key differentiators is its structured program, which emphasizes safety,
professionalism, and regulatory compliance. The school provides one-on-one guidance from certified
trainers and ensures that graduates are well-equipped with the necessary skills to ride safely and
responsibly.
To further support its graduates, Watu Uganda has partnered with the Ministry of Works and Transport
to assist riders with the licensing process, ensuring a smooth transition into their careers as qualified,
legally compliant riders. This collaboration aims to reduce the number of unlicensed riders on the roads,
enhance overall road safety, and promote adherence to traffic regulations.
The launch of Watu Shule in Fort Portal is part of a larger initiative by Watu Uganda to expand
motorcycle training schools across the country. The vision is to establish Watu Shule as Uganda;s leading
motorcycle riding school and set new standards for quality and safety in the industry.
Bodabodas are an essential part of Uganda’s transport network, connecting communities to schools,
markets, and healthcare facilities, especially in rural areas. They also play a significant economic role,
supporting a wide range of local industries.
ASP Atwijuke Bannet, the Fort Portal Road Traffic Commander, commended Watu Shule’s initiative,
stating, “This school will strengthen road safety in the entire region by providing quality motorcycle
training and critical skills for safe and responsible riding. As the police, we are committed to
collaborating with Watu Shule to enhance road safety.”
With road traffic fatalities in Uganda having risen by 10% over the past decade, motorcycles are involved
in nearly 45% of these incidents. Uganda’s boda boda sector, supporting over 2 million riders, faces
ongoing challenges related to safety and regulatory compliance.
High upfront costs for training have kept many riders from obtaining essential permits, contributing to
unsafe practices on the roads. Watu Shule aims to bridge this gap by offering free, structured training
and assisting new riders in obtaining necessary licenses, promoting safer practices throughout the
sector.
