In a significant step towards improving road safety in Uganda, a new group of professionals has earned international certification as road safety auditors, thanks to a transformative initiative led by the International Road Federation (IRF) with support from the TotalEnergies Foundation. Designed to strengthen road infrastructure safety in Africa and Asia, this initiative involves delivering comprehensive Road Safety Audit training and certification annually for the next three years, with initial focus countries being Uganda, Tanzania, and India.

The Uganda training, which took place in Kampala from 19th to 30th August 2024 and was delivered by IRF Lead Trainer Miguel Angel Serrano Santos, gathered participants from across the Ministry of Works and Transport, Uganda National Road Agency (UNRA), Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and private sector. The pre-selection of participants based on specific professional criteria, ensured the group was both skilled and strategically positioned to make an impact on Uganda’s road safety infrastructure.

“With Uganda grappling with increasing road traffic incidents, the programme couldn’t be more timely” said one of the participants. Over the course of 60 hours of teaching, participants undertook an intensive curriculum, combining theoretical lessons with real-world application. Fieldwork involved auditing active road projects, giving trainees hands-on experience in identifying hazards and proposing solutions aimed at reducing accident risks.

The training’s scope extended beyond the classroom, focusing on empowering professionals to apply these skills in their day-to-day roles. Graduates are now equipped not only with international certification but with a deeper understanding of how to foster safer road conditions across Uganda’s diverse transport networks.

“The training is in line with the Government’s Road Safety Action Plan. This training will have an impactful experience for this team. On behalf of Government and on my own behalf, I wish to commend IRF for this initiative. The Ministry looks forward to more partnerships and collaboration in such areas so as to build capacity for our local people” said Mr Katushabe, Commissioner, Ministry of Works and Transport.

“Road safety audits are a powerful tool to prevent crashes before they happen,” said Susanna Zammataro, Director General of the IRF. “By training and certifying professionals in Uganda and in other key regions, we are equipping them with the expertise needed to create safer roads. These auditors will play a critical role in improving road safety infrastructure, ultimately saving lives and reducing the economic burden of road crashes.”

After a successful delivery of the training in Tanzania, the programme heads next to India in November 2024.

As the IRF continues to expand its reach, the long-term goal of the initiative is clear: to build a network of skilled professionals who can proactively address road safety challenges in their countries. By empowering these newly certified auditors, Uganda is taking a critical step towards reducing road accidents and fatalities. With continued training and collaboration, the programme holds the promise of fostering safer, more resilient road networks—not only in Uganda but across the regions where it operates. Through sustained effort and investment in local expertise, the IRF is helping to shape a future where safer roads become the norm, not the exception.