By Patricia Turyahebwa,
KAMPALA
The Commissioner of the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps (NSPC), Hellen Seku has applauded boda-boda leaders for their unwavering commitment to working and adhering to traffic guidelines, which she says has positively transformed the public image of the boda-boda industry in Uganda.
“As boda-boda riders, I thank you for embracing patriotism by maintaining discipline on the roads while observing good hygiene, and nowadays you no longer ride on pavements which has reduced unnecessary accidents on the road,” Seku commended.
She made the remarks on Wednesday during a meeting with boda-boda leaders from the Kampala Metropolitan area, held at the Patriotism Secretariat in Muyenga.
She further expressed appreciation for the leaders’ trustworthiness and adherence to the theme of patriotism, particularly in curbing practices aimed at exploiting the vulnerabilities of boda-boda riders in Kampala Metropolitan area and ultimately countrywide.
“I love the fact that you are now ideologically clear, you are on a right track and we shall continue taking you for training sessions in Patriotism so that you teach others to love themselves, our country,” she added.
“But above all,thank you for not accepting to be used by self-seeking individuals. Do you know how costly it is to maintain a charging battery of your bike, spending sh20,000 is not affordable and it will ruin your job at the end of it all?”
Leaders who spoke to Parrots Media, commended Commissioner Seku for providing them with a platform to voice out their concerns.
“We want to appreciate you Commissioner for allowing us to meet you and air out our views freely. We want to inform you that in our industry we have people who take themselves to be more powerful than others in the country whose aim is to torture us. As we speak 6 of our fellow riders are in Luzira prison on framed charges of aggravated robbery just because they resisted exploitation.”
“We request the government to allow us choose new leadership built on trust and honesty rather than being bundled under a union being ran by an individual whose interest is just financially exploiting us,” Meddi Mwavu, the Chairman of Boda Boda riders in Kira Municipality revealed.
The development follows President Museveni’s pledge made at the conclusion of a seven-day patriotism and leadership training held last year at the Oliver Reginald Tambo School of Leadership and Pan-African Excellence in Kaweweta, Nakaseke District, where a total of 372 boda boda leaders participated.
Noteworthy, during the pass-out ceremony, the boda-boda leaders requested the President to reduce the cost of driving permit to at least 100,000shs per year noting that the prevailing fees were too high, a request the President immediately granted.
They also noted that numerous motorcycles had been impounded by traffic police officers, with many left to rot at various police stations due to the riders’ lack of driving licenses.
They further briefed the President on the exorbitant interest rates charged by Boda Boda loan scheme operators which were a hindrance to their economic progress.
In response, the President, who was previously unaware of these challenges, promised to take action.
True to his word, the Ministry of Works and Transport followed up with a letter dated July 31, 2024, announcing a reduction in permit fees a significant milestone and a remarkable achievement for the boda-boda community.
Under the new structure, the fees have been revised as follows: a full driving license for one year will now cost Shs 100,000, down from Shs 135,000; a learner’s driving permit will cost Shs 40,000, down from Shs 60,000. For license renewal, the fee will be Shs 70,000, reduced from Shs 130,000. Meanwhile, replacing a stolen or damaged license will require a payment of Shs 121,000.
Commissioner Seku also commended the President for eliminating loan sharks from the industry and introducing affordable loan schemes for the riders.
“I also thank President Museveni for introducing government wealth creation initiatives like boda boda loans where by you acquire loans and pay back at a very low interest, he also reduced permit fees which has helped you to work freely.”
The leaders also pledged to continue mobilizing their fellow riders to practice patriotism and be prepared to defend themselves and the country.
“As boda boda leaders we are going back to the grassroot, strengthen patriotism and voluntarily secure President Museveni’s votes and support because he is the only one who has come out to support us to do our work with confidence.” Mwavu added.
