Joe Walker launches Kampala-Gulu Walk for safer roads
BY GLORIA IRANKUNDA
Over the past few years, Joe Walker aka Joseph Beyanga has become a familiar sight on Ugandan roads, walking long distances to spark conversations about road safety.
On February 24, 2025, he and his team will continue on that path by setting off on a 10-day journey from Kampala to Gulu.
The walk under the theme “Safe Roads Save Lives” will begin at the Independence Monument in Kampala where Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala will flag off the participants at 6a.m.
Joe Walker and his team will pass through several towns, engaging communities in discussions about safer road habits.
“If time and logistics allow, we will visit as many places as possible, including Kiryandongo Hospital, which often receives many victims. Our goal is to identify with them, acknowledge that this should not be happening, and remind them that they should be home supporting their families. Most importantly, we will listen to their stories, understanding what could have been done differently to prevent such incidents in the future,” Joe explained during a press briefing on February, 18 in Kampala.
The route will see them go through Bombo, Luwero, Nakasongola, Migera, Kafu, Kigumba, Bweyale, Kamdini, Bobi, and finally, Gulu.
Joe Walker (in a black T-shirt) alongside Kampala-Gulu Road Safety Walk partners in Kampala on February 18. PHOTO:GLORIA IRANKUNDA
The Joe Walker Foundation has previously championed similar initiatives, including the Kampala to Bushenyi Walk in 2022, the “Too Young to Die” Walk to Mbale in 2023, and the “Get Home Safe” Walk to Fort Portal in 2024. These efforts have helped create nationwide conversations about road safety and responsible driving.
“Every year gets better. It is encouraging to see improvements in how we use our roads. While there is still a lot of work to be done, I must say there is also a growing sense of responsibility among road users, pedestrians, and cyclists,” the Joe Walker Project Manager Sarah Nalule Walakira said.
According to the 2023 police report, Uganda loses an average of 14 lives every day to road accidents, with careless overtaking and speeding accounting for over half of the crashes.
Why Gulu?
As a commercial hub in Northern Uganda, Gulu plays a critical role in trade and agriculture.
The movement of goods and people depends on safe roads, and road accidents pose a serious threat to both livelihoods and lives.
The journey is about making sure every Ugandan can get home safe whether they are a pedestrian, a boda-boda rider, a truck driver, or a passenger.
“We have lost so many people to road crashes on the Gulu highway including high profile people in government like the Rt Hon. Speaker of Parliament, the late Francis Ayume. The first Leader of opposition in Uganda, Prof. Ogenga Latigo has survived more than three times on the Gulu highway,” Joe Walker added.
The Kampala to Gulu road safety walk is more than just a physical challenge, it is a call to action. According to Joe, the UN General Assembly has set a global target to reduce road traffic deaths by 50% by 2030 but everyone needs to join in and contribute to this figure.
“Uganda needs to play its part. Every conversation, every step, and every decision to drive or walk more carefully brings us closer,” Joe emphasised.
The Kampala-Gulu Road Safety Walk is supported by partners, including Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), Jubilee Allianz, Rwenzori Water, NBS TV, Sanyuka TV, Pride Microfinance Limited, Nicole Foundation, and Responsive Drivers Uganda in Gulu.
