Watu has announced a major achievement for Watu Shule, its rider training and licensing programme, after enrolling more than 10,000 riders. The company has also expanded the programme to Northern Uganda, with a new centre in Gulu.
Watu Shule was created to improve road safety and help boda boda riders operate legally and responsibly. The programme offers professional training, support in obtaining valid riding permits, and practical lessons in defensive riding. It is designed to give riders the skills and confidence they need to work safely on public roads.
Motorcycle accidents remain a serious problem in Uganda. Recent traffic reports show that motorcycles account for more than half (53%) of all road traffic injuries and a significant number of fatal crashes. In 2025 alone, the country recorded over 25,000 road crashes, including more than 4,400 fatal incidents and over 25,800 casualties. These figures highlight the urgent need for better training and road safety awareness among riders.
According to Benjamin Mukasa, Head of Mobility at Watu Uganda, the company’s role goes beyond financing motorcycles.
“At Watu, our responsibility does not end with providing loans. We care about the safety of our riders, the protection of their livelihoods, and the future of Uganda’s transport sector. Reaching 10,000 enrolments shows that riders want to operate safely, confidently, and within the law,” he said.
Watu Shule is open to both Watu loan customers and non-Watu riders. The company has introduced flexible payment options to make training more affordable, removing financial barriers that often prevent riders from accessing formal education and licensing support.
Watu says investing in rider education benefits not only the riders but also the wider community. Trained and licensed riders are more likely to maintain steady incomes, protect their motorcycles, and earn the trust of passengers and regulators. For businesses, safer riders mean more reliable transport services, fewer accident-related disruptions, and improved urban mobility.
The expansion to Gulu reflects Watu’s commitment to extending essential services beyond central Uganda. By bringing Watu Shule to Northern Uganda, the company aims to ensure that riders across the country have equal access to training, licensing, and road safety support.
