The Minister of State for Transport, Fred Byamukama, has raised concerns about the safety of boda-boda riders in Kampala, stating that a considerable proportion of them exhibit reckless behavior. According to Byamukama, a staggering 95% of boda-boda riders in the city can be characterized as being “mad,” which he believes is a contributing factor to the high number of fatalities resulting from road crashes involving these riders and their passengers.
Byamubakama made these remarks during his role as the chief guest at the launch of the global review report on traffic crashes and safe school zones conducted by the organization “Hope for Victims of Traffic Accidents.” The report shed light on the need for urgent action to address the safety concerns posed by boda-boda riders in the city.
During the event, Byamukama revealed that the Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA) officials had conducted a study on a sample of 171 boda-boda riders, and the findings were concerning. The overwhelming majority of these riders displayed reckless behavior, confirming the gravity of the issue.
To tackle the rising number of road crashes caused by these reckless boda-boda riders, Byamukama proposed declaring certain areas as no-go zones for this mode of transport. This measure, he believes, would safeguard passengers, particularly children who are being transported to school by boda-boda.
In response to the minister’s statements, Siraje Mutyaba, the leader of boda-boda riders in Kampala Central, acknowledged that there is indeed a significant number of riders with reckless tendencies within the boda-boda employment sector. However, he contested the specific statistic provided by Byamukama, suggesting that the 95% figure might be exaggerated. Despite this, Mutyaba did not offer an alternative estimate or percentage.
The issue of boda-boda safety remains a matter of concern for both authorities and the public. As the debate continues, it is essential for all stakeholders to work together to find effective solutions to mitigate the risks posed by reckless boda-boda riding and ensure safer roads for everyone. .
