By Flavia Ajok
TotalEnergies EP Uganda has launched the VIA Road Safety Programme aimed at raising road safety awareness among young people aged 10-25 and educate them in safer road behaviors through interactive learning methods deployed in schools
The VIA programme is an initiative by TotalEnergies, Michelin Foundation and the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) whose implementation in Uganda started in March 2022.
The programme has so far been rolled out in 138 schools in the Tilenga project districts of Buliisa, Nwoya, Pakwach, Hoima, Kikuube and Kampala training over 27,000 pupils on proper road usage. In Bulisa, as a result of the program, there has been a 33% reduction in reported road crashes within school zones.
Peter Timbigambwa, the CEO Safe Way Right Way who are the project implementers says there are 130 schools they are working with in the Albertine region.
Timbigambwa says the challenges they are getting in this fight are the bad behaviours of road users especially the bodaboda cyclits and drivers along the Buliisa roads.
Mazen ABI-AZAR, Construction Manager TotalEnergies EP Uganda says they are pleased to join forces with other partners to deliver such a crucial safety program in teir project area.
“Safety is our core value, and it encompasses not only our people and assets but also the communities neighbouring our communities. The development of the Tilenga project will lead to an increase in vehicle movements within the area and our ambition is to have zero fatalities associated with the project” he said.
