By Dean Lubowa Saava
In a groundbreaking move, boda boda operators from across Uganda have launched a new union app designed to connect travelers with riders, aiming to improve the industry’s efficiency. The launch event, themed “Empowering Boda Boda Riders for Growth,” took place at the Kampala Serena Hotel and is part of the broader National Boda Boda Stage Development initiative.
According to Union Chairperson Frank Mawejje, the idea for the app was born out of a patriotism training attended by boda boda riders at Kaweweta. Mawejje, a rider himself, emphasized that the union’s efforts would protect riders from extortion, citing instances where middlemen would charge exorbitant prices for motorcycles. “We will no longer pay Shs11 million for a motorcycle that costs Shs5 million,” he said.
The union has also established a savings and credit cooperative (SACCO) called the United Boda Boda Riders Cooperative Union, aimed at supporting riders’ financial empowerment. This move is expected to improve the livelihoods of boda boda riders, who are often vulnerable to exploitation.
Fred Muwema, the union’s legal counsel, highlighted the organization’s commitment to changing the public perception of boda boda riders. “These are no longer lawbreakers,” he said. “The union will provide legal avenues to address the challenges faced by riders.”
The launch event was attended by representatives from the northern, western, eastern, and central regions, marking a significant step toward unifying riders nationwide. As the union sets out to serve as an umbrella organization for boda boda operators, it’s clear that this move will have a profound impact on the industry.
In Uganda, the boda boda sector is a significant source of employment, with over 400,000 persons employed in Kampala alone. The sector has faced numerous challenges, including exploitation by middlemen, harsh treatment by law enforcement, and limited access to financial services.
The launch of the union app and SACCO is a welcome development, as it aims to address some of these challenges. By providing a platform for riders to connect with travelers and access financial services, the union is empowering boda boda riders to take control of their livelihoods.
As the boda boda sector continues to grow, it’s essential to recognize the critical role that riders play in Uganda’s economy. By supporting initiatives like the union app and SACCO, we can help promote the welfare of boda boda riders and contribute to the growth of the sector.
