Every day, over 13 people lose their lives on Uganda’s roads, with a staggering 4,806 fatalities reported in 2023, according to the Uganda Police Force. While many factors contribute to this crisis, poor vision is a significant but often overlooked cause. Studies reveal that nearly a quarter of drivers in Uganda face vision-related challenges, impairing their ability to react to road hazards. This silent issue continues to put countless lives at risk, especially among the Boda Boda community.
To tackle this growing problem, organizations including Lapaire Pan African Eye Brand, SafeBoda, Liberty Insurance, and Enigma Kreative have launched the “Safe Eyes, Safe Rides” campaign as part of Road Safety Week 2024. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the link between clear vision and road safety, with activities like free eye tests and workshops to educate riders on staying safe on the road.
Speaking during the Safe Rides Workshop at the SafeBoda Academy, Ms. Jackline Babonerawo, an Ophthalmic Clinical Officer at Lapaire Uganda, emphasized the urgent need for regular eye check-ups among motorcyclists.
“Many motorcyclists have underlying eye problems they are unaware of, and only through testing can these issues be detected and addressed,” she explained. Babonerawo stressed that poor vision is a leading factor in road accidents involving Boda Boda riders and drivers.
Echoing this message, Mr. Derrick Katushabe, Public Relations and Advocacy Lead at SafeBoda highlighted the importance of eye health in ensuring road safety.
“Safety isn’t just about how you ride; it’s also about taking care of yourself. Your eyes are your most valuable tool on the road,” he said. “As a rider, make it a priority to have your eyes tested at least twice a year to stay safe and avoid unnecessary risks.”
Lapaire, a pan-African eyewear company, is committed to making high-quality eye care accessible and affordable across Africa. With branches in Uganda, including Kampala, Mbarara, Jinja, Wakiso, Entebbe, and Mukono
Lapaire has tested over 800,000 people and improved the sight of more than 400,000 in over 6 African countries. This dedication to eye care aligns perfectly with the campaign’s goal of reducing preventable road accidents through better vision.
Olugendo Fit, a project by Enigma Kreative that’s set to target 3 million road users in 2 years, ensuring riders and drivers’ safety on the road through intensive awareness, and addressing their vision problems in partnership with Lapaire.
By addressing vision problems and raising awareness, the “Safe Eyes, Safe Rides” campaign is not just improving individual lives but also making Uganda’s roads safer for everyone.