Boda Boda riders welcome govt crackdown on illegal boda operators

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The leadership of Kampala’s boda boda riders has welcomed the government’s directive to remove riders operating in non-gazetted areas across the city and greater metropolitan region, describing the move as timely and necessary for restoring order.

The directive issued earlier this month by the Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Minsa Kabanda, called on street vendors, boda boda riders, and taxi operators to vacate city streets and operate only within designated areas.

The announcement, delivered at the Uganda Media Centre, has since been followed by full-scale enforcement. Hundreds of vendors and hawkers have already cleared the streets of Kampala and the surrounding metropolitan areas. Attention has now shifted to the boda boda riders, with authorities insisting that riders operate strictly from gazetted stages.

Reacting to the directive, the Chairperson of the Boda Boda Union, Frank Mawejje, expressed support for the government’s action, saying it aligns with long-standing efforts by union leaders to professionalise the industry.

Chairperson of the Boda Boda Union Frank Mawejje reacting to the new directive to remove riders operating in non-gazetted areas across the city and greater metropolitan region. (Photo by Moses Kigongo)

“We welcome this move because it will help eliminate criminals who hide among genuine riders,” Mawejje said. “Our members have always wanted to operate in an organised environment.”

He noted that in collaboration with the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), several boda boda stages had already been gazetted across Kampala and the metropolitan divisions. However, some riders, particularly those operating from outside the central business district, have continued to work illegally along city streets.

According to Mawejje, this disorder has not only undermined efforts to streamline operations but has also exposed the sector to reputational damage.

“Some of these riders have on many occasions been linked to criminal acts, including robbing customers and intimidating members of the public,” he alleged, adding that the directive gives them an opportunity to clean up the sector.

The union leadership has pledged full cooperation with government agencies to ensure the smooth implementation of the directive. Mawejje emphasised that compliance will benefit both riders and the public by improving safety, accountability, and order in the city.

He also revealed that the union plans to introduce official uniforms to clearly identify legally registered riders operating from recognised stages in downtown Kampala and across the city’s five divisions. The move, he said, will help passengers distinguish legitimate operators from illegal ones.

Mawejje urged riders who wish to operate from designated boda boda stages to formally register through the union leadership or directly with stage managers.

“Interested riders are required to present the following: a valid National Identification Card, an LC1 introduction letter and passport-size photographs for identification purposes,” he guided.

The union says this process will strengthen internal regulation and enhance trust between riders, city authorities, and commuters.