How boda-boda industry is keeping people in fear and pessimism

By Julius Mucunguzi

Boda Boda's business began in the 1950s as people crossing the border between Kenya and Uganda used bicycles or motorcycle couriers to either dodge customs officials or beat the fatigue of walking through the various checkpoints of the two countries' borders.

Their resurgence was around 1997 when, after several years of using bicycles for the business; its players explored the use of motorcycles. The growing urban populations necessitated the room of this type of transport as it was convenient for moving across a large area without spending much money.

Boda-boda industry has been one of the biggest industries that have gained a lot of regard in the last years. In fact, the boda-boda industry covers a great total population of about 10 million people country wide.

This industry has employed both the educated and the uneducated citizens in Uganda. The cyclists earn sh10,000 and above daily. Everyone would be interested. This has of course solved the problem of unemployment to most people.

Despite their attractiveness, the boda boda cyclists have continued to operate in fear and hopelessness of their lives.  The mess they have encountered on the roads is utterly despicable: from their motorcycles being stolen to being killed while they are trying to make their ends meet.

At least 10 motorcycles are stolen daily in the country. In all, driving around has become such a huge nightmare in Uganda. I can assure you that there is always a boda boda cyclists killed daily.

But what could be the problem?  First we need to recognise the problem that has consumed up the boda-boda industry. Poor planning and monitoring of the industry has contributed to this menace. Everyone seems to join and leave the industry anyhow.

Boda boda riders in Uganda follow no rule and are slowly turning into the new face of impunity, bloodshed and crime. Most people view them as an inconvenience to areas where they operate. No trust between the passengers and the cyclists all in all.

The adverse impact of boda-bodas to people's lives and the transport sector has not gone unnoticed despite high demand by all walks of people in the city.  Most of the criminal activities are mostly done using the boda-bodas. Many Ugandans have been killed by people on a bodaboda.

Now what do we do? Effort is required from all transport sector stakeholders to institute stringent regulations for boda-bodas to follow. The local leaders ought to instill discipline among boda-boda ridders. Fighting drug abuse should be among the priorities. These boda boda riders use drugs and alcohol.

We need to organise meetings with the riders to try to streamline their operations and ensure they abide by the law, but we have to raise awareness on what is happening in that industry. This can be achieved through the mass media, road campaigns, peer groups, motorcycle rider associations, and educational institutions of all levels

The boda boda industry needs an efficient leadership and governance to regulate it. The rules need to include having a driving permit; setting up training facilities, creating special lanes for boda boda cyclists. This will certainly reduce accidents.
 
The writer is researcher