Majority of Bodaboda Riders in Arua City Lack Formal Safety Training, Survey Reveals

Arua City, Uganda – March 21, 2025

A recent survey conducted by Decisive Research and Training Organization (DRTO) has unveiled alarming statistics about the state of the bodaboda industry in Arua City. According to the findings, a staggering 97% of bodaboda riders in the city have not received formal safety training on road signs or financial literacy, raising serious concerns about road safety and financial stability among operators.

The survey further reveals that most riders operate without valid driving licenses or formal affiliation to recognized stages. Of the over 5,000 bodaboda riders across 700 stages in Arua City, only 300 are registered under the official bodaboda riders' association. This lack of regulation and oversight has exacerbated safety risks, making the sector particularly vulnerable.

Compounding the situation are issues such as financial illiteracy, reckless over-speeding, poor road conditions, and inadequate infrastructure, all contributing to the high number of accidents. Data from the Uganda Police Force highlights that motorcycles account for nearly 45% of all road accident fatalities in the country. Additionally, they make up 21% of hospital admissions related to surgeries caused by road accidents.

Speaking on the findings, DRTO’s lead researcher emphasized the urgent need for intervention, stating,

 “The lack of formal training, coupled with limited regulation, is a ticking time bomb. There’s a pressing need to equip riders with knowledge of road safety, enforce licensing, and provide financial literacy programs.”

Local authorities and bodaboda associations are now being urged to take decisive action to improve rider education, enforce registration, and enhance infrastructure to curb the growing trend of accidents and fatalities.