The Minister of State for Transport, Fred Byabakama, has raised concerns about the safety of Boda-boda riders in Kampala, stating that a substantial number of them exhibit dangerous behavior. According to Byabakama, 95% of Boda-boda riders in the city could be described as reckless and this “madness” is a significant factor in the increasing number of road crashes that result in fatalities for both riders and their passengers.
Speaking as the chief guest at the launch of the global review report on traffic crashes and safe school zones by Hope for Victims of Traffic Accidents (HOVITA), Byabakama emphasized the need for immediate action to address the issue. He called for Boda-bodas to be declared no-go zones, especially for parents using them to transport their children to school, in order to minimize the risk of accidents.
“I am also a parent…We also expose our children to these accidents. How do you give your child a Boda boda? I believe all Boda boda, most especially those in Kampala, 95 percent of them are mad. One time I told the minister for KCCA, and they sampled. The issue is not about stages but these people are mad…” he asserted.
However, Siraje Mutyaba, the leader of Boda-boda riders in Kampala Central, disagreed with the minister’s estimation. While acknowledging the presence of some individuals with risky behaviors in the sector, Mutyaba maintained that the number of “mad” riders did not reach the alarming 95% figure suggested by Byabakama.
Sam Bambanza, the executive director of HOVITA, emphasized the urgency to protect vulnerable road users, especially children. Bambanza proposed establishing a 30kph speed limit in all school zones to reduce the frequency of accidents involving young pedestrians. The statistics provided by HOVITA showed that Uganda lost 650 children below the age of 18 in road crashes in 2022, and an additional 703 individuals aged 18 to 24 also lost their lives in similar accidents.
Apart from addressing reckless riding, Byabakama also raised concerns about the Boda-boda sector becoming a refuge for criminals, including rapists, robbers, and defilers. He recounted an incident where he encountered a criminal on the police wanted list during one of his engagements with Boda-boda riders.
Mutyaba acknowledged that the transport sector attracts individuals from all walks of life, including criminals. He also expressed frustration, stating that some arrested criminals were often released without facing prosecution, allegedly due to the involvement of corrupt police officers.
The call for action from the Minister and HOVITA sheds light on the urgent need to address safety concerns within the Boda-boda industry and the broader transport sector in Kampala. Balancing the convenience of Boda-bodas as a popular mode of transport with ensuring the safety and security of passengers and other road users will require collaborative efforts from relevant authorities and stakeholders.
