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Fort Portal gets new boda boda training school

Peter 16th Apr, 2025 Logistics Business Edge Reporter
Fort Portal gets new boda boda training school

Officials from Police, Ministry of Works and Fort Portal City civic leaders join Watu officials and boda riders at the official launch of Watu Shule.


Watu Uganda, a leading asset-financing company, has officially launched a specialized motorcycle riding school in Fort Portal City in western Uganda.

The school, which now brings the total number of such facilities to two, in addition to the one in Kampala, is dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality motorcycle training to enhance road safety and support the development of safe, skilled riders in Uganda, particularly in the boda boda (motorcycle taxi) sector.

Speaking at the launch in Fort Portal City on April 11, Christian Kamukama, the head of Commercial at Watu Uganda, highlighted the school’s mission to close the skills gap in the motorcycle sector, aiming to boost road safety and support youth in securing sustainable livelihoods.

  • “Fort Portal City is an ideal launch location for Watu Shule in Western Uganda. We’re confident this initiative will empower local riders, improve road safety, and drive economic growth,” Kamukama stated. He said the school will support parts of western Uganda, including the districts of Masaka, Kagadi, Hoima and others.

As part of its impact strategy, Watu introduced Watu Shule, a riding school that trains motorcycle riders—especially boda boda operators—on road safety, responsible driving, and professional conduct, aiming to reduce accidents and enhance road safety across Uganda’s transport sector.

Since its inception, Watu Shule has enrolled over 3,000 clients, with more than 250 riders enrolling since the company opened its branch Fort Portal branch in December. This initiative is particularly critical given Uganda’s alarming road safety statistics.

  • In 2023 alone, the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety of the Uganda Police Force recorded 23,600 crashes, with over 4,000 fatalities and 4,806 fatal casualties. Shockingly, motorcycles were involved in 36% of these crashes, and motorcycle riders and passengers accounted for over 45% of the victims.

Moreover, 52% of these crashes were caused by careless overtaking and speeding, highlighting the urgent need for structured road safety education.

ASP Atwijuke Bannet, the Fort Portal Road Traffic Commander, commended Watu Shule’s initiative, stating, “This school will strengthen road safety in the entire region by providing quality motorcycle training and critical skills for safe and responsible riding. As the police, we are committed to collaborating with Watu Shule to enhance road safety.”

With road traffic fatalities in Uganda having risen by 10% over the past decade, motorcycles are involved in nearly 45% of these incidents. Uganda’s boda boda sector, supporting over two million riders, faces ongoing challenges related to safety and regulatory compliance.

Through its specialized training, Watu Shule is actively addressing these challenges by instilling safer riding habits, improving awareness of traffic regulations, and ensuring that riders receive the necessary skills and permits to operate responsibly on Uganda’s roads.

  • Watu Shule’s program offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes both theoretical and hands-on training, covering essential areas such as motorcycle operation, traffic regulations, and safe riding practices.
  • This holistic approach is designed to equip riders with the skills and knowledge to navigate Uganda's roads responsibly, reducing the risks associated with motorcycle riding.

To further support its trainees, Watu Uganda has partnered with the Ministry of Works and Transport to assist riders with the licensing process, ensuring a smooth transition into their careers as qualified, legally compliant riders.

This collaboration aims to reduce the number of unlicensed riders on the roads, enhance overall road safety, and promote adherence to traffic regulations.

The launch of Watu Shule in Fort Portal is part of a larger initiative by Watu Uganda to expand motorcycle training schools across the country. The vision is to establish Watu Shule as Uganda's leading motorcycle riding school and set new standards for quality and safety in the industry.

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