📷 Boda boda riders celebrate Museveni at 81 as he pledges SACCO reforms
The President, joined by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs Janet Museveni, used the occasion to announce new measures supporting the industry.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs Janet Museveni cutting cake during his (President) 81st birthday on Sunday (September 14) at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds. (Photos by PPU and Eddie Ssejjoba)
By New Vision Journalist
Journalists @New Vision
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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni marked his 81st birthday on Sunday (September 14) at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, celebrating alongside boda boda riders during the first-ever Boda Union Festival and Expo.
The President, joined by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs Janet Museveni, used the occasion to announce new measures supporting the industry.
He said moneylenders had trapped boda riders in debt and pledged government intervention.
“My agreement with the boda bodas is that it is criminal for someone to give you a rabbit and then demand a cow in return. Moneylenders give you sh5 million and expect sh15 million back. That is robbery,” he said, adding that high interest rates have turned lenders into “enemies of progress.”
Museveni said the Parish Development Model (PDM) would provide affordable loans.
“If we give you sh1 million, you pay back just sh1,125,000 after two years. We have applied the same arrangement for the ghetto and now for the boda bodas,” he said.
He also directed State House Comptroller Jane Barekye to certify all boda boda SACCOS to safeguard funds and ensure transparency.
The First Lady congratulated the President on his milestone and called for unity.
“When we unite, we will be unstoppable,” she said, noting that Africa’s failure to work together has hindered development despite vast resources.
She further urged Ugandans to consume what they produce and build lasting wealth.
Speaker of Parliament Anita Among also congratulated Museveni, crediting him for stability and an environment where the boda boda sector has grown.
Industry leaders welcomed government support. Frank Mawejje of the United Riders Cooperative Union highlighted improved management after patriotism training, but warned that moneylenders continue to confiscate riders’ IDs.
Fred Ssenoga, a union advisor, pushed for stronger collaboration between boda boda and taxi operators, outlined housing plans for members, and asked for a review of the digital number plate registration fee.
Taxi federation chairperson Sekindi Rashid requested Museveni to launch the new taxi park, while promoter Abtex urged SACCO support for event organisers.
The celebration ended with pledges from leaders to uphold unity, accountability, and innovation in the transport and entertainment sectors.
