By Nasser Kayanja
Kampala Resident City Commissioner Hajji Umar Luke Mawiya has instructed security agencies to arrest riders and impound commercial motorcycles that fail to meet road safety standards.
He issued the directive while addressing boda boda riders from Kawempe Division who had gathered under the United Boda Boda Riders Cooperative Union to receive support from a government initiative. The group recently benefited from 100 million shillings deposited into their SACCO by the President, enabling the purchase of more than 500 motorcycles for members to access on low-interest terms. The SACCO also acquired a welfare van and a tuk-tuk ambulance to support its members.
Mawiya emphasized that the boda boda business can only remain sustainable if riders comply with traffic laws. He specifically warned against practices such as riding without proper permits, using raised or unclear number plates, and carrying passengers unsafely, saying offenders would face immediate arrest and their motorcycles seized.
The meeting was attended by Kawempe District Police Commander Bushijja, as well as Hanington Kanimi, who used the opportunity to call for guidance and discipline in online conduct.
In a related appeal, the chairman of the cooperative, Mawejje Frank, asked the government to further support the sector, saying stronger institutional backing would help organize riders and improve livelihoods across the industry.