BACKGROUND

Uganda, like many other countries in the world experience a high rate of road traffic accidents, which often results in severe injuries, disability and more sadly death. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1.35 million people are killed on roads worldwide. Unfortunately, almost 3700 people are killed globally in crashes involving cars, buses, motorcycles, bicycles, trucks or pedestrians daily. Uganda recorded 4,159 fatalities and 12,589 serious injuries courtesy of road accidents back in 2021 alone. Many of these accidents were actually preventable through effective road safety measures, such as better infrastructure, education and enforcement of the already existing laws. The concept of a World Day of Remembrance for Road Victims is not new, as it has been observed globally since 1995. However, there is a need to raise awareness about this important day in Uganda and to involve various stakeholders, including the government, private sector, civil society, and the media. The FPSDI aims to lead this effort by organizing events and activities that commemorate the victims of road traffic accidents and raise awareness about the need for improved road safety measures in Uganda.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of WDoR 2023 are to promote a platform for road traffic victims and their families to;

• Remember all people killed and seriously injured on the roads.
• Acknowledge the crucial work of emergency services.
• Draw attention to the generally trivial legal response to culpable road death, and injuries and advocate for an appropriately serious response.
• Advocate for better support of traffic victim and their families.
• Promote evidence-based action to prevent and eventually stop further road traffic deaths and injuries.

WHEN DOES THE EVENT HAPPEN?

The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims (Wdor) is commemorated on the third Sunday of November each year and will therefore happen on the 19^th of November 2023 starting from 7 am with a walk from the city square to Uganda railway grounds with police band leading the congregation. It is a high-profile global event to remember the many millions who have been killed and seriously injured on the world’s roads and to acknowledge the suffering of all affected victims, families and communities – millions added each year to countless millions already suffering: a truly tremendous cumulative toll.

THEME: This year 2023, the event shall focus on; justice, traffic law enforcement, thorough investigation after a crash to find out if a crime was committed and to prevent recurrence, criminal prosecution where appropriate and civil compensation are all part of the justice system. When carried out seriously, fairly and consistently, such a system is what road crash victims who have been injured or had a family member killed as the result of someone’s law–breaking or negligence deserve and wish for, since it also represents a main factor of prevention and this would mean that lessons are learnt from their tragedies so that they may not be repeated.

ACTIVITIES ON THE DAY

1. Walk from the city square to the railway grounds

2 Introductions – welcome note from organizers.

3. Influential people (people) who have been in road crashes.
4. Prayers-IRCU. {School sings the mass}
5. Moment of silence
6. Short speeches.
7. Play from schools
8. Closing Remarks from Minister.
9. Candle banning
10. Engage the media.

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION FOR PRIVATE SECTOR DRIVERS INITIATIVE UGANDA (FPSDI)

The Foundation for Private Sector Drivers Initiative Uganda (FPSDI) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that seeks to promote road safety and advocacy for the better welfare of private sector drivers in Uganda. The organization recognizes the need to commemorate and honour the victims of road traffic accidents, as well as raise awareness about the importance of road safety and the devastating impact of road accidents on families, communities, and the country as a whole. During our 8years of existence, we have managed to organize annual events among which we hold walks, bicycle rides, seminars, health campaigns, education tours and run, these have been a success in the long run.  With a membership of over 17 associations, we have always conducted these events and attracted outrageous masses of people in road traffic advocacy, well-wishers and a community of over a thousand people to commemorate their loved ones.

MISSION: To be the organization of choice that prioritizes the individual rights of drivers, developing skills and facilitating networking with other actors to ensure advocacy.

VISION: To transform the private drivers industry from a hand-to-mouth approach to a sustainable and financially independent industry.