Road crashes continue to claim nearly 15 lives every day in Uganda, making road safety one of the country’s most urgent public health and economic challenges. Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda and the Joe Walker Foundation have now partnered to support the 2026 Joe Walker Road Safety Campaign, a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing preventable road deaths and improving road user behaviour.
The partnership is designed as a practical intervention, not just an awareness drive. It focuses on direct community engagement with boda boda riders, pedestrians, students, and local communities through training, sensitisation, and visibility campaigns across the country.
Key activities under the campaign include the Boda Boda Walk, the “20 Kilometres in 20 Districts” campaign, and the Remembrance Relay. These will combine road safety education, distribution of reflector jackets, and community outreach to encourage safer behaviour on the roads.
Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda will also support the initiative by providing Rwenzori drinking water for participants during the various campaign activities.
According to the Uganda Police Force Annual Crime Report, road crashes claim more than 14 lives every day in Uganda. The World Health Organisation further notes that road traffic injuries remain the leading cause of death among people aged between 5 and 29 years globally.
Beyond the human toll, road safety has become a major business concern in Uganda. Accidents disrupt supply chains, increase transport and insurance costs, reduce workforce productivity, and affect the smooth movement of goods and services. For companies, safer roads mean more reliable operations, lower risk exposure, and stronger community trust.
Speaking about the partnership, Kirunda Magoola, Public Affairs, Communication and Sustainability Director at Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda, said:
“Road safety is a shared responsibility that affects every Ugandan. Our partnership with the Joe Walker Foundation will support ongoing efforts to educate, empower, and protect road users nationwide. Through this collaboration, we aim to contribute to safer roads and help reduce preventable road fatalities, reinforcing our belief that zero harm is possible.”
Joseph Beyanga, Founder of the Joe Walker Foundation, said:
“Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda has been a consistent partner in our journey since the early days of the Joe Walker walks. Their continued support has enabled us to sustain momentum, reach more communities, and keep the conversation on road safety alive. This collaboration strengthens our mission to turn awareness into action and ultimately save lives.”
Since its establishment in 2022, the Joe Walker Foundation has covered more than 1,700 kilometres through road safety walks and reached over 4.5 million Ugandans, including boda boda riders, students, policymakers, and local communities.
The strength of this campaign lies in its practical approach. Rather than focusing only on awareness, it directly targets high-risk groups with safety tools, training, and visibility support, especially for boda boda riders who are central to Uganda’s transport system.
The partnership also reflects a broader shift in how companies are engaging with social challenges. Businesses are increasingly playing a role in addressing public safety issues that affect both communities and economic performance.
As Uganda continues to urbanise and road traffic increases, such partnerships may become essential in reducing accidents and improving national productivity. Safer roads do not only save lives, they also strengthen business continuity, reduce losses, and support long-term economic growth.
