Uganda’s roads and waterways are lifelines, yet they are also sites of persistent tragedy. While government and civil society have long focused on driver behavior, speed management, and infrastructure, one critical factor often remains overlooked: the quality and condition of the tyres that connect us securely to the tarmac.

At Safe Transport and Survivors Support Uganda (STASSU), we believe that safe mobility is a fundamental right. That’s why we are proud to announce the launch of a groundbreaking initiative: Uganda’s first-ever, nationally coordinated Tyre Safety Campaign.

Who is STASSU? Agents of State Mobility

STASSU is a nationally registered Non-Governmental Organization committed to promoting a holistic approach to safe mobility across Uganda and the wider East African region. Our mandate extends beyond prevention to genuine compassion, focusing on:

Transport Safety Advocacy: Campaigning for improved road and water safety standards.

Drowning Prevention: Addressing risks on Uganda’s extensive waterways.

Survivor Support: Providing crucial assistance to families affected by transport-related incidents.

Our core mission is simple: to prevent transport-related fatalities and injuries, and to ensure that those impacted receive the care and support they need to rebuild their lives. Our latest campaign is a direct response to a preventable crisis documented across our national highways.

The Silent Killer: Why We Need a Tyre Safety Campaign Now

When we talk about road crashes, the immediate focus often falls on reckless driving or poor roads. However, official statistics reveal a persistent, dangerous vulnerability right under our vehicles: defective and poorly maintained tyres.

According to the Uganda Police Annual Traffic Report (2023), tyre-related failures were directly linked to a significant number of serious incidents:

Tyre Bursts: Accounted for 353 crashes.

Defective Tyres: Accounted for 126 crashes.

Total Tyre-Related Incidents (2023): 479 (2.0% of all reported crashes).

The figures for 2024 are even more alarming. Under the broader category of “dangerous vehicle conditions,” which includes tyre bursts, worn-out tyres, and defective braking systems, the incident count skyrocketed to 1,722.

These numbers are a stark indicator that substandard tyres, improper maintenance, and lack of awareness are leading directly to loss of control, serious injuries, and fatalities. The data underscores two critical needs: the need for better data collection to isolate tyre issues, and the urgent need for targeted, national interventions.

Driving Change: Objectives of the STASSU Campaign

Our Tyre Safety Campaign is designed to address tyre-related risks from the point of import and sale, right through to daily usage and eventual replacement. It is a multi-faceted effort aimed at capacity building, awareness, and regulatory overhaul.

The Campaign is focused on Four Primary Objectives

1. Conducting Baseline Research

We are initiating a comprehensive baseline study to map the current state of tyre usage and dealer practices in Uganda. This essential research will help us understand consumer habits, maintenance challenges, and the source of substandard imports, providing the data needed for evidence-based policy formulation.

2. Raising Nationwide Awareness

The majority of motorists are unaware of critical safety indicators—from minimum tread depth and proper inflation to the crucial role of tyre expiry dates.

We will focus on raising awareness among:

Motorists and Fleet Operators: Educating them on safe replacement intervals, recognizing defects, and the significance of correct tyre pressure.

Tyre Dealers and Importers: Ensuring they understand their legal responsibility regarding warranties, quality standards, and ethical sales practices.

3. Strengthening Regulatory Enforcement

The standards exist, but enforcement is often inconsistent. We are working to strengthen regulatory mechanisms around key safety metrics, including:

Mandating rigorous checks on tread depth during vehicle inspections.

Implementing stricter controls on substandard imports and ensuring all tyres meet UN or certified regional standards.

Eliminating the use of expired tyres that compromise structural integrity, especially in commercial transport.

4. Advocating for Policy Reform

To eliminate substandard and unsafe tyres from circulation permanently, we must address systemic weaknesses. STASSU will advocate for tangible policy reforms that increase accountability, particularly regarding the importation and distribution of road-safety critical components across Uganda and the wider EAC bloc.

The Path Forward: A Shared Responsibility

Tyre safety is not just a technical issue; it is a public health and economic necessity. A safe, reliable transport system underpins national growth.

STASSU recognizes that we cannot achieve this vision alone. We call upon all stakeholders—the government, regulatory bodies like the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) and the traffic police, transport associations, fleet owners, and every individual motorist—to join us in this vital campaign.

The next time you prepare to drive, remember that your four points of contact with the road are the most critical safety feature on your vehicle. Let’s commit together to ensuring that every journey in Uganda is built on reliable, safe foundations.

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