In a groundbreaking move to empower Uganda's boda boda community, the United Boda Boda Cooperative Union has unveiled the National Boda Boda Stage Development Model, a professionalization initiative aimed at unlocking financial independence for riders across the country.
The model, launched at Kampala Serena Hotel and supported by the Ministry of Local Government, features programs designed to streamline the boda boda industry, promote economic empowerment, and ultimately establish a bank dedicated to serving boda boda riders.
Local Government Minister Raphael Magyezi, who officiated the event, expressed the government's full backing of the initiative.
“This model will not only organize the industry for better management and safety but also provide an avenue for the government to collect taxes efficiently, reduce crime rates, and improve the livelihoods of boda boda riders,” he said while signing the pledge board.
Under the theme Empowering Boda Boda Riders for Growth, the model introduces a Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (Sacco) that will serve as the foundation for establishing a boda-boda-specific bank.
This bank aims to provide riders with access to affordable financial services, addressing long-standing issues of predatory lending and financial exclusion.
According to Frank Mawejje, Chairman of the United Boda Boda Riders Cooperative Union, the initiative seeks to dispel misconceptions about the government’s role in regulating the industry.
“There has been a belief that efforts to gazette boda boda operations were aimed at eliminating the industry. Today, we are pleased to see these misunderstandings resolved.
This model marks a significant step toward streamlining operations and enabling better financial empowerment, traceability, and economic opportunities for our riders,” he said.
The boda boda industry is the second-largest employer in Uganda, with an estimated 1.2 million riders and approximately 150,000 registered stages. Kampala alone hosts 350,000 riders operating across 1,021 stages.
Despite its significant contribution to urban mobility and employment, the sector has been marred by poor management, high accident rates, and limited access to affordable leasing and financial services.
The National Boda Boda Stage Development Model outlines seven key programs focusing on health, road safety, and environmental sustainability.
These programs include regular health check-ups, affordable health insurance, and sensitization campaigns on critical health issues such as HIV/AIDS prevention and mental health awareness.
In addition to health and safety, the model encourages the adoption of electric boda bodas and advanced technologies to reduce the industry’s environmental impact.
Incentives will be provided to riders who transition to electric motorcycles, aligning with national goals for environmental sustainability.
However, safety remains a pressing concern. The 2023 police report revealed that boda bodas were involved in 37% (13,856) of the 37,449 road accidents reported in Uganda. Furthermore, over 15% of the 228,000 reported crimes were linked to boda boda activities. The model seeks to address these alarming figures through increased professionalization, training, and improved regulatory frameworks.
Boda boda riders from across Uganda have welcomed the initiative with optimism, hoping it will address the financial and security challenges they face daily. Sadick Amoako, the chairman of boda boda riders in Arua City, highlighted the financial struggles faced by riders in the region.
“I am very glad about the launch of this union today, the first of its kind. Acquiring a boda boda for 4.5 million shillings has been a struggle, especially in Arua.
We have faced difficulties with moneylenders, as a boda boda worth Shs 4.5 million ends up costing double due to high interest rates.
With this union, we believe our challenges will be addressed, and security in our area will be strengthened,” Amoako said.
Meanwhile, Maureen Kobusingye, a boda boda rider from Fort Portal, emphasized the opportunities the initiative offers to women in the industry.
“I want to encourage all my fellow women to join this work so they can support their families. Thanks to this job, my children are doing well, and my family is thriving,” she said.
Minister Magyezi reiterated the government's commitment to supporting the boda boda community, particularly in establishing the riders' bank. The government’s backing of this initiative highlights the importance of formalizing the sector, which plays a crucial role in Uganda's transportation and employment landscape.
As the National Boda Boda Stage Development Model rolls out, stakeholders remain hopeful that this initiative will not only transform the industry but also uplift the millions of riders whose livelihoods depend on it.
With the promise of financial inclusion, improved safety, and sustainable growth, the future looks brighter for Uganda's boda boda community.
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