Taxman seeks bodaboda partnership in Arua city

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The efficient operation of Team No Sleep (TNS), a bodaboda group in Arua City that operates at night, has attracted the interest of the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).

The tax authority is particularly impressed with the organization and discipline demonstrated by the night bodaboda operators, as well as the coordination between their leadership and the relevant security agencies in the city.

Established in 2023, this association, consisting of over 270 members, has contributed to creating a safer environment by reducing the rampant criminality that had previously plagued the city.

Geoffrey Orijabo, the chairperson of Team No Sleep (TNS), a bodaboda group in Arua City. (Photo by Robert Adiga)

The security and discipline measures implemented by TNS members during night operations include the following: all members must carry TNS work IDs, wear mandated TNS reflective jackets, refrain from using unregistered motorcycles, and avoid riding under the influence or engaging in criminal activities.

Important partner

Clair Sanyu, who is in charge of stakeholder relations for URA in Northern Uganda, stated that the TNS Bodaboda group has been recognized as an important partner for URA.

This recognition follows their meeting in December, during which the group demonstrated its commitment to combating night-time crime, including smuggling and illicit trade.

Sanyu noted, "This team has engaged with us, and after our discussions, we realized they are very organized. Bodabodas are one of our key revenue sources, as we recently generated significant income from motorcycle registrations during a promotion.

Additionally, their night-time operations make them more aware of nighttime activities. Therefore, we should collaborate with them to obtain valuable information and business guidance, while also encouraging them to provide feedback on our work."

“We formed TNS because we realized that there are many wrong individuals in our vicinity. Currently, several of them have gone off on their own. Our main focus now is nighttime security, and we have seen a significant reduction in criminal cases occurring at night. Any suspicious movements during these hours are monitored closely through our coordinated security efforts. All our members wear identifiable reflector jackets; anyone found moving without one at night faces strict penalties. We are also prepared to collaborate with the URA to provide information about smugglers,” said Geoffrey Orijabo, the chairperson of the association.

Due diligence

Farouk Metaloro, an executive member of the association, stated that their strict measures for new members have helped eliminate many operators with ill intentions.

Simon Tumwesigye, the manager of enforcement at the Uganda Revenue Authority in Northern Uganda, commended the group for their patriotic effort. He encouraged them to remain vigilant in the fight against illicit business operators during nighttime, urging them to provide essential information about smugglers to the tax authorities.

Tumwesigye motivated them by mentioning that any recovery of smuggled goods would earn the informant a five percent reward. “I want to thank you for supporting the government and being patriotic by prioritizing security. As the URA, we are responsible for collecting revenue, and we cannot do that effectively when smuggling is rampant in the area. We want to collaborate with you, so please share information about individuals who refuse to formalize their businesses. You can call us at any time during the night, and we will take action,” Tumwesigye said.