Art for safety

Art for Road Safety

Global Youth Coalition for Road Safety © Ssempijja Robert

In 2021, Ssempijja was invited to represent Uganda in the Art for Road Safety campaign, a pioneering initiative led by the Global Youth Coalition for Road Safety (@claimingourspace) and supported by the Total Foundation. Organized by the road safety NGO YOURS, this campaign marked the first Africa-centered road safety art challenge, bringing together artists from Egypt, Senegal, and Uganda to raise awareness about a critical issue: road crashes, the leading cause of death for young people aged 15–29 in Africa and globally.

Global Youth Coalition for Road Safety © Ssempijja Robert (2)

The Art for Road Safety campaign harnessed the transformative power of art to address this crisis, mobilizing youth to take action and protect their dreams from being shattered on the roads. With a clear call to action slow down, wear a seatbelt in a car, and a helmet on a motorcycle the initiative aimed to build safer mobility systems and foster a global movement for change. Launched by the Global Youth Coalition for Road Safety, which emerged from the 2nd World Youth Assembly for Road Safety in 2020, the coalition unites over 400 members across more than 90 countries and has engaged thousands of young leaders worldwide.

Global Youth Coalition for Road Safety © Ssempijja Robert (3)

For his contribution, Ssempijja created a compelling TV commercial that highlighted the importance of helmet use in Uganda, where boda bodas (motorcycle taxis) are a primary mode of transport for people and goods. In a country where boda bodas are integral to daily life, they also pose significant risks due to frequent accidents, often exacerbated by the lack of helmet use. Through his work, Ssempijja brought attention to this urgent issue, blending creativity with advocacy to promote safer practices. The commercial was broadcast across televisions and media outlets in France and throughout the African continent in June 2021, amplifying the campaign’s message to a global audience.

Art for Road Safety not only showcased the role of art in driving social change but also empowered young voices to lead the charge for safer roads. Ssempijja’s involvement in this campaign reflects his broader commitment to using art as a tool for community engagement and cultural dialogue, as seen in his other projects like Environmental Dance and Afronauts. By participating in this initiative, he contributed to a movement that continues to inspire action and awareness, ensuring that the dreams of young people are protected on the roads of Africa and beyond.

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