Ministry of Works Launches 2024 Road Safety Marathon to Combat Ugandan Road Crashes

The Ministry of Works and Transport, alongside other road safety stakeholders, has launched the 2024 Road Safety Marathon, now in its third edition, aiming to promote awareness and advocacy for road safety nationwide.

Gen Edward Katumba Wamala, the Minister of Works and Transport, announced the launch of the 2024 Road Safety Marathon on April 4, 2024, at Hotel Africana, Kampala. He emphasized that the marathon would not only raise awareness but also generate funds to support individuals in need of prosthetics.

Gen Katumba encouraged participation from media, telecom companies, influencers, and musicians to engage in the marathon and amplify the message of road safety.

He highlighted that the launch unveils the marathon’s plans and objectives, providing partners with an opportunity to network, collaborate, and contribute ideas to enhance road safety for all.

The marathon, organized by the Legacy Road Safety Initiative (LRSI) in collaboration with the Red Cross, aims to deploy well-equipped quick-response ambulances on major roads to ensure swift assistance.

Gen Katumba expressed concern over the alarming rate of road crashes, which claim the lives of thousands of Ugandans annually, particularly affecting the youth, who constitute a significant portion of the population.

Recent data indicates that road crashes in Uganda result in the deaths of approximately 10,000 individuals aged 9 to 25 each year, underscoring the critical need for enhanced road safety measures and awareness campaigns in the country.