Boda-Bodas in Uganda: A Chaotic Lifeline and a Menace In the bustling streets of Kampala, Uganda’s capital, boda-boda motorcycles are both a lifeline and a source of chaos. With an estimated 350,000 operators in the city, these motorcycle taxis serve as the primary means of transport in a city lacking a mass transit system. They provide convenience and speed, ferrying passengers, goods, and even the sick or deceased. Yet, they also embody Kampala’s unregulated traffic and safety challenges. Economic Lifeline Amid Limited Opportunities For many young men, boda-boda riding is the only available employment option in a country with rampant youth unemployment. According to government figures, 76% of Uganda’s population is under 35. Operators like Asiimwe Mathiaus express the frustration of being highly educated but unable to find formal jobs. The sector’s origins trace back to the Uganda-Kenya border in the 1970s when motorcycles provided quick and informal cross-border transport. Today, they dominate Uganda’s roads, supporting livelihoods and filling gaps in public transportation. Challenges of Regulation and Safety Despite their ubiquity, boda-bodas operate largely unregulated. Efforts to enforce safety rules and establish designated zones have been undermined by the sheer volume of operators and a culture of non-compliance. Fatal motorcycle-related accidents rose from 621 in 2014 to 1,404 in 2021, underscoring the urgent need for intervention. Authorities like Winstone Katushabe, Uganda’s Transport Safety Commissioner, advocate for better training and enforcement of traffic rules. However, regulation remains sporadic and politically fraught. Politicians, including President Yoweri Museveni, have used the sector for political gain, reducing licensing fees and gifting motorcycles to supporters. This politicization has weakened self-regulation and fuelled public resentment. The government’s recent rollout of the third phase of the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS), which includes the installation of digital number plates on vehicles and motorcycles, offers a glimmer of hope. These plates, when integrated into boda-boda platforms, could enhance rider accountability and help trace stolen motorcycles or identify culprits in accidents and crimes. Criminal Associations and Public Perception The rise of boda-bodas has coincided with increased criminal activity. Their use in violent crimes and as getaway vehicles has tarnished the sector’s reputation. Additionally, operators often face theft and violence, with robbers posing as passengers to assault riders and steal their motorcycles. Meanwhile, passengers are also at risk. Cases of boda-boda riders stealing from their clients are skyrocketing. In areas where digital platforms are in use, the ability to trace a rider’s or passenger’s identity via app data has proven invaluable in addressing such crimes. Technology: A Beacon of Change, But for Whom? Digital platforms in Kampala have begun to bring order to the boda-boda industry. Companies like Safe Boda, Faras, and Uber connect riders and passengers through apps, promote safe riding practices, and offer services such as cashless payments, insurance coverage, and real-time location tracking. These features enable passengers to identify their riders and report incidents, fostering a safer and more transparent experience. However, this progress is limited to Kampala and a few urban centers. In rural areas and smaller towns, boda-boda riders and users are left to navigate an unregulated and often perilous environment. Riders outside Kampala rarely undergo safety training, and there is no mechanism to identify or trace them, making passengers vulnerable to theft, assault, and unsafe riding conditions. The risks go both ways. In rural regions, robbers often pose as passengers, attacking boda-boda riders with iron rods or knives to steal their motorcycles. The absence of digital tools leaves these riders defenseless and without recourse. Empowering Safety Through Digital Solutions Incorporating first-aid training and resources into boda-boda apps could further enhance safety. Emergency guidelines, such as those advocated by Dr. Joseph Kalanzi of Makerere University, can teach riders and passengers how to provide immediate care during accidents — from stopping bleeding to safely transporting victims to health facilities. These apps could also direct users to nearby medical services in emergencies, turning them into lifesaving tools. By linking with the ITMS project, apps can further integrate data from digital number plates, improving accountability and aiding law enforcement in tracing stolen motorcycles or tracking down offenders in accidents or crimes. Potential Solutions for a Safer Sector Progressive approaches to regulation could help balance the sector’s benefits and challenges. Rwanda’s implementation of smart meters for motorcycle taxis offers a model for improving accountability and fair pricing. Uganda could also introduce motorcycle lanes, shaded pickup zones, and comprehensive driver registration systems. Collaboration between the government and boda-boda associations is crucial to ensure safety, weed out criminal elements, and improve public perception. Infrastructure investments and active engagement with boda-boda bodies at local and national levels could transform the sector. By recognizing boda-bodas as a critical part of Uganda’s transport ecosystem, authorities can ensure safety, efficiency, and inclusivity. The Road Ahead The digitization of the boda-boda industry is not just about convenience — it’s about creating opportunities, ensuring safety, and building smarter cities. While hurdles remain, the collective efforts of technology innovators, riders, and NGOs are paving the way for a brighter future. This vision for tomorrow is one where urban mobility is not just a means of transport but a catalyst for empowerment, equity, and progress. In Kampala, and across Uganda, the journey has just begun — but the destination holds immense promise.

Accidents are unpredictable, yet their consequences can often be mitigated through timely and effective first aid. In Uganda, where road traffic accidents (RTAs) are a leading cause of death and emergency medical services are limited, first responders play a pivotal role in saving lives. Among these are taxi and boda boda operators, who are often the first at accident scenes, despite lacking the resources or training to provide adequate care. This reality underscores the urgency of equipping these operators with basic first aid training and tools to handle emergencies safely and efficiently. Road Traffic Accidents in Uganda: A Growing Concern Uganda ranks among the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa for road traffic accident fatalities. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Uganda recorded 12,036 RTA-related deaths in 2016, accounting for 4.5% of the country’s total deaths. With road transport being the dominant mode of transportation — carrying 99% of passengers and 97% of freight — taxi and boda boda operators are among the most exposed to road accidents. These operators often find themselves as first responders at accident scenes. However, studies reveal a glaring gap in their preparedness. In a 2021 study conducted in Kampala’s New Taxi Park, 97.7% of taxi operators had heard about first aid, yet only 19.4% had prior training. Furthermore, while 97% of participants recognized the importance of first aid, only 52.5% had ever attended to accident victims. The Role of Boda Boda Operators Boda bodas, Uganda’s popular motorcycle taxis, are equally critical in accident response. Often navigating congested streets, boda boda riders frequently encounter RTAs and, in many cases, are the first on the scene. Their swift mobility positions them as key players in providing prehospital care. However, like taxi operators, boda boda riders often lack formal first aid training, leaving them ill-equipped to handle emergencies safely and effectively. Barriers to First Aid Provision The challenges faced by taxi and boda boda operators in administering first aid include: Lack of Knowledge and Training: Many operators fear causing further harm due to insufficient knowledge. Limited Resources: Few operators carry first aid kits, and those who do may not know how to use them properly. Fear of Bloodborne Infections: In areas with high HIV prevalence, fear of disease transmission deters many from assisting accident victims. Legal and Cultural Concerns: Operators often hesitate to intervene due to potential legal implications or cultural beliefs. The Importance of First Aid in Uganda’s Unique Context First aid is more than just a life-saving intervention; it is a crucial link in reducing fatalities and promoting recovery. However, Uganda’s high prevalence of HIV adds complexity to emergency care, emphasizing the need for safe practices, such as using gloves and other barriers when dealing with open wounds. Despite these challenges, the willingness of laypeople, including taxi and boda boda operators, to assist during emergencies offers a glimmer of hope. The Intersection of RTAs and HIV Uganda’s road sector dominates transportation, with taxis and boda bodas accounting for the majority of passenger movement. These operators are not only frequent victims of RTAs but also the first on the scene, tasked with aiding others. With HIV prevalence still a concern, especially among adolescents and young women, precautions must be taken to ensure that first aid practices protect both responders and victims. Key Facts About HIV in Uganda: As of 2016, HIV prevalence in the general population aged 15–49 years was 6.0%, a decline from 7.3% in 2011. Adolescents, particularly girls, remain disproportionately affected, with adolescent girls being four times more likely to contract HIV than boys of the same age group. High-risk behaviors, including transactional and cross-generational sex, further exacerbate vulnerabilities among adolescent girls. Bridging the Gap: Empowering First Responders To address these challenges, a multi-faceted approach is needed: Mandatory First Aid and Safety Training Taxi and boda boda operators should be equipped with first aid skills as part of their licensing requirements. Training must emphasize universal precautions to prevent bloodborne infections, including HIV. Community Engagement and Sensitization Public campaigns can raise awareness about the importance of first aid and safe practices. Communities must support and encourage first responders to adopt these measures. Provision of Essential Equipment Access to gloves, first aid kits, and protective gear should be prioritized, ensuring safety for both responders and victims. Policy Reforms and Support The government should implement policies that support training, infrastructure improvements, and incentives for lay responders. Addressing HIV Vulnerabilities Among Adolescents Adolescents, especially girls, need targeted interventions to reduce HIV risks, including comprehensive education, improved access to healthcare, and gender-focused initiatives to combat inequality and violence. Turning Challenges into Opportunities Uganda faces dual challenges: a high burden of RTAs and the ongoing HIV epidemic. However, by empowering first responders like taxi and boda boda operators, the country can turn these challenges into opportunities. With proper training and resources, these operators can become life-saving heroes, not only reducing road accident fatalities but also protecting themselves and others in the face of Uganda’s HIV crisis. Join the Movement At Safety Watch Initiatives, we are committed to equipping Uganda’s first responders with the skills, tools, and knowledge they need to save lives. Through training, advocacy, and resource distribution, we aim to create a safer environment for everyone. Together, we can empower our communities to respond effectively to emergencies and build a culture of safety and care. Visit Safety Watch Initiatives to learn more and support our efforts. Written by: Samson Iron

Every day in Uganda, preventable traffic accidents claim lives and shatter families, driven by poor infrastructure, reckless driving, and lack of safety awareness. Safety Watch Initiatives is working to reverse this crisis through impactful programs, community training, and policy advocacy. Together, we can save lives and make Uganda’s roads safer for e These preventable tragedies are driven by three main factors Poor Infrastructure Pothole-filled roads, missing signage, and unsafe pedestrian crossings increase the likelihood of accidents. Reckless Driving Overspeeding, drunk driving, and lack of adherence to traffic laws put everyone at risk. Lack of Awareness Many drivers and pedestrians lack proper education on road safety practices. Be Part of the Change Every Ugandan deserves the right to travel without fear. By supporting Safety Watch Initiatives, you’re helping save lives, reduce accidents, and create safer communities. Whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness, your involvement makes a difference. Join us today and let’s ensure that every journey ends safely, restoring peace of mind and hope for millions of Ugandans. Together, we can turn tragedy into safety and transform Uganda’s roads for the better.