Kampala’s Boda Boda Crisis: Safety vs. Livelihoods
By Urban Gazette Staff Writer
Kampala — The roar of boda bodas is as much a part of Kampala’s soundtrack as church bells and traffic horns. But this week, the city’s authorities reignited tensions with operators by launching another crackdown on unregistered riders.
The Crackdown
Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) announced new rules requiring all riders to have reflective jackets, helmets, and registered motorcycles with identifiable number plates. Enforcement teams have impounded over 500 boda bodas in just two days.
Voices from the Ground
“Every day I feed my family with what I earn from this bike,” says John, a rider in Wandegeya. “If they take it, what will I do?”
Meanwhile, some passengers welcome the rules. “I lost a cousin in a boda accident,” notes Maria, a student at Makerere. “If stricter rules can save lives, then I support them.”
The Numbers
Police data shows that boda bodas account for nearly 40% of road accidents in Kampala, with over 1,000 fatalities annually.
The Bigger Picture
Experts suggest compromise: digital registration platforms, designated boda stages, and affordable financing for compliant gear. But with 150,000 riders in the city, striking a balance between safety and livelihoods will remain a challenge.
