Leaders of Kabarole Boda Boda Association give accountability

On 5^th April 2014, leaders of Kabarole Boda Boda Association, an association of motorcyclists in Kabarole District appeared on Better FM to give accountability of the activities they have been carrying out ever since they entered office. “Every member of Kabarole Boda Boda Association pays a monthly fee of Shs.1000 (one thousand shillings) that we use to run the office and help fellow boda boda men who have incurred problems like accidents”, said Rwabweru William, the Chairman of the Association.  This was during ToroDev’s supported radio discussion on Better FM called the ‘Listeners Forum’ a 2hr radio program that discusses issues of accountability every Sunday (8:00-10:00pm).

Tourists use boda bodas in Mbarara District

The live radio discussion was also attended by Mr. Barongo Musa, the leader in charge of defense affairs in the association, Mr. Ayesiga Muzamiru, the general secretary of the association and Mr. Baranga Emmanuel, the leader in charge of traffic affairs in the association.

During the radio program, Mr. Baranga discussed how the association was trying to implement the project of introducing identity cards to all motorcyclists. “We have started issuing operation cards to all boda boda riders for easy identification. We also want to issue driving permits so as to easily curb crimes like overloading, over speeding and missing number plates. We are also carrying out sensitization among all boda boda riders on proper usage of the road through reading of the road sign posts”. 

Meanwhile, Mr. Muzamiru also participated in the live radio discussion by appealing to all boda boda riders to be security conscious. “I appeal to all boda boda riders to be security conscious most especially those who ride at night. We should avoid riding strange people to strange places and look at our lives more important than the money that we earn. This will help us to avoid risks like theft and murder”.

Local listeners also participated in the live radio discussion through call ins and using the SMS platform to raise their issues and concerns. “Some boda boda riders are thieves, they take people and steal their property most especially in the nights”, said Ajuna, “Operation cards should be given to cyclists who are above eighteen years”, said Moses Kasoke from Butiiti Sub County in Kyenjojo District, “Leaders should first deal with boda boda riders who give motor cycles to school children to ride”, said Kassim, “Many boda boda riders are not trust worthy”, said Mbaga Saidi from Kamwenge District, “Before giving out operation cards, leaders should first identify disciplined boda boda riders and rule out indisciplined riders”, said Robert from Kijura Sub County in Kyenjojo District.

The live radio discussion was moderated by Mukonyezi Wilfred.