Liberty General Launches 'SMART Journeys' to Combat Rising Road Crashes

Liberty General Insurance Uganda has rolled out the “SMART Journeys Initiative,” a comprehensive road safety campaign aimed at curbing the alarming rate of road crashes, particularly within the long-haul commercial transport sector. The initiative’s launch event in Kampala saw a significant turnout of stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Works and Transport, traffic police, bus operators, drivers, insurers, and financial institutions.

At the heart of the SMART Journeys Initiative is a “SMART” framework, which stands for Safe Speed, Maintenance, Alert Drivers, Responsible Loading, and Transport Risk Management. The primary objective is to foster a culture of best practices among commercial transport operators and achieve zero tolerance for road accidents.

Paul Kavuma, CEO of Liberty General Insurance Uganda, highlighted that the campaign’s timing is crucial, as road crashes tend to increase between September and February. He stressed that operators must take greater accountability for the lives and assets entrusted to their drivers, urging them to ensure drivers are aware of their responsibilities and that vehicles undergo rigorous maintenance, with a particular focus on critical components like tyres and brakes.

Kavuma also advocated for structured journey plans, comparing long-haul trips to Formula One races with mandatory “pit stops” for driver rest and vehicle checks. The initiative will also support driver training, vehicle inspections, and robust fleet risk management. Liberty General is prepared to fund defensive driving training as part of its commitment.

Financial institutions, like Stanbic Bank, are also emphasizing safety as a key factor in their lending decisions. Kenneth Kawalya, Head of Credit at Stanbic Bank, stated that the safest fleet is the most bankable fleet, linking financial viability directly to operational safety. Road safety advocates further underscored the importance of distinguishing between unavoidable “accidents” and preventable “crashes,” calling for a “safe-system” approach that acknowledges human error but aims to prevent fatalities.

The Ministry of Works and Transport also announced plans to introduce a demerit system for driving licenses to enhance accountability for driver behavior, further reinforcing the collective effort needed to make Uganda’s roads safer.