The government has issued fresh guidelines for boda-boda operations in Kampala and the Metropolitan areas of Mukono and Wakiso, as authorities move to organize the boda-boda transport sector.
The State Minister for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs, Kabuye Kyofatogabye, said all boda boda riders operating in Metropolitan Kampala are now required to register through the systems that shall be put in place by Resident City Commissioners (RCCs), their Deputies, Resident District commissioners (RDCs) and Municipal leaders.
Kabuye says, after the exercise to organize the boda-boda industry which is expected to end by July 20222 is complete, only registered boda boda riders shall be allowed to operate in Kampala and any unregistered rider found in Kampala will be arrested.
Kabuye also stated that the climax of organizing the boda boda industry will be them paying road user fees whose amount is yet to be agreed upon.
Kabuye says riders shall be identified by their stages to be gazetted by council authorities, and Kampala Capital City Authority-KCCA for the case of Kampala.
The minister has emphasized that there shall be only 32 stages in the Central Business District (CBD) of Kampala with at most 50 riders per stage.
Kabuye also says that starting March 2022, riders will undertake training programs in road use and traffic safety conducted at different centres established by KCCA and other government institutions including the Ministry of Works.
Kabuye said the Ministry of works has offered a reduction hence processing a one year permit at 105,000 from 135,000 Shillings, and 135,000 Shillings for a three-year permit instead of the standard 230,000 Shillings.
By 1st July 2022, Minister Kabuye said no rider shall be allowed on the road without a driving permit.
He said the Uganda Driver Licensing System and the police shall offer paid training to the riders and subject them to medical tests before they are given driving permits.
He says the guidelines issued are non-negotiable except when riders come with an amendment but not to eliminate any.
Another guideline issued is for riders to elect leaders at each stage who shall then elect the parish leadership which shall then elect the division leadership and finally the central leadership of the entire Kampala.
Minister Kabuye also says that riders shall be given uniforms depending on their division of operation. The color of the uniforms shall be determined later in June.
He also committed the government to construct more feeder roads, renovate roads and improve signs at junctions to improve the city infrastructure.