President Museveni has promised to intervene and find a solution to the high cost of the boda boda driving licence.
Museveni made the remarks tas he passed-out 372 boda boda leaders from Kampala and Wakiso after undergoing an eight- day patriotism training at the Oliver Reginald Tambo School of Leadership and Pan-African Centre of Excellence- Kaweweta, Nakaseke.
“One of the challenges you are facing is driving licence charges which are at the same rate as that of a motor vehicle. I have never heard about it because you put a curtain on Kampala so you are always there with your opposition people so we don’t get to know what is happening on that side. The Member of Parliament is supposed to raise such issues and Lukwago, what is their role? And it is you who voted for them. But that is going to change, we are going to change the fees. You said we should reduce the charges to at least Shs100,000. I’m going to work on that,” he assured.
He was responding to a query raised by the chairman of boda boda riders in Kampala, Frank Mawejje who informed him that a number of boda bodas have been impounded from the riders due to lack of driving licences which have proved to be very costly.
“Our driving licences are being charged the same way as those for motor vehicles. That is unfair, Your Excellency. We want to pay for those licences but they are expensive, please help us and reduce the prices. The licences are charged between Shs400,000 and 600,000. If you can help us reduce the fees to Shs100,000, we shall be very grateful,” Mawejje said.
The president also assured the boda boda leaders that all the motorcycles which were impounded by police during operations are going to be set free.
“I’m also going to support you with motorcycles. I’m going to invite you and discuss how many boda bodas I will be putting in each division.”
President Museveni further told the participants that the NRM has three historical missions which include prosperity for all, strategic security and “undugu” (brotherhood) to build a powerful state.
“With mission number one, you ask yourself how are we going to prosper? Through begging and aid or? That is when NRM lectures that the prosperity that is going to help you sustain your family is by producing a product or a service and selling it. For example, you the boda boda operators, you are different from me as a farmer because I sell milk, meat and bananas. For you are not selling a product, but you are offering a service. So, you must have a good or a service which you sell,” he said.
The minister for Presidency, Babirye Milly Babalanda said such training helps to remind people about their role in keeping the stability of their country and how they can contribute to the transformation of their places.
“Thus, if they are exposed to such training it will go a long way to fight insecurity. Your, Excellency; since 2020 the opposition elements have masterminded uprisings that aimed at destabilising Uganda. However, rather than return fire with fire; our security forces led by the UPDF have instead engaged the public to talk to them out of these actions and to remind them of the importance of having a peaceful and stable country,” she said.
The minister of State for Kampala, Kabuye Kyofatogabye thanked President Museveni for bringing sanity to the boda boda industry through putting up several structures that have been guiding the operators to the right way.
“Your Excellency, I request you that you give us more time and meet all the other boda boda riders who have not got the chance to be here. They really love you and want to meet you,” he said.
Mawejje, the chairman of boda boda riders in Kampala thanked President Museveni for being the brain behind the boda boda industry in the country that has given employment to a good number of Ugandans.
“We really appreciate all that you have done for us. I don’t think there’s any sector you treasure so much like this one. What proved us is during the Covid-19 period lockdown you let us work throughout. You didn’t stop at that, you even directed the Prime Minister to send us some financial support via Mobile Money,” Mawejje asserted.
He also lauded the President for letting them operate freely in the city despite some challenges.
