SENSITISE THE PUBLIC ABOUT THE LAW- POLICE TO POLICY MAKERS

On the 2^nd of February 2022, the URRENO team working on the Global Road Safety Partnership (GRSP) project held a round table meeting with the leaders of the Uganda Police Force at their headquarters in Nateete. This meeting is one of the activities attached to the ongoing project relating to the review of the helmet use and drink driving regulations.

According to Inspector Twebaze Edison, the Inspector in charge of Traffic Investigations, the nature of helmets has not been adequately given attention, to the extent that safety of the buyer is not a primary concern to the seller.

Mr. Stephen Mbarushimana, URRENO’s Programs manager in his presentation mentioned that the Boda Boda riders that were involved in our research complained about the helmets being hot, giving them headache and limiting their hearing capacity in case they need to listen to caution from fellows. This therefore creates a big need on the side of UNBS to revisit the standard of helmets that are ideal for the Ugandan market.

The absence of motorcycle riding schools is one of the biggest hazards causing road crashes in Uganda according to ASP Auma Sylivia who was in attendance. She recommended that this be an issue given plenty of attention by policy makers since most riders are illiterate, learn from friends and are very unaware of the traffic rules and proper behavior on the road.

In regards to the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit from 0.08mg/l to 0.05mg/l, members proposed the engagement of all stake holders in the alcohol chain ie manufacturers, sellers, policy makers and the last people at the chain, the enforcers. This will help reduce the misuse of alcohol through over consumption and help all stakeholders understand the impact of alcohol consumption on the human body.

Among the many issues discussed in this meeting, ASP Nkesiga Anthony, the Inspector in Charge of Discipline pointed out how the public looks at law enforcers as punishers and this should be reason enough for us to revisit sensitization levels. “Distance law enforcement officers from the role of sensitisation. Police is the teacher, examiner, grader and yet ideally all these should play an individual role to enhance the last stage of implementation which is enforcement” he conclusively noted.