By Jumah Kakomo
The Uganda Police Force has strongly condemned the indiscipline and widespread violation of traffic regulations by boda boda riders, describing the trend as a major contributor to road accidents and fatalities across the country.
The remarks were made on Friday by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Donald Muhwezi, the Kampala Metropolitan Police Community Liaison Officer, during a meeting between MOGO Uganda and boda boda leaders in Kampala. The engagement focused on motorcycle asset financing, loan repayment structures, road safety awareness, community engagement, and regional security concerns, including cross-border motorcycle theft.
Speaking at the event, SSP Muhwezi expressed concern over the persistent disregard for traffic laws by some riders. He noted that many boda boda operators routinely ignore traffic lights, ride on pedestrian walkways, and maneuver dangerously through traffic, putting the lives of road users at risk.
He further observed that a significant number of riders continue to operate without essential safety equipment such as crash helmets and reflective jackets. According to Muhwezi, traffic officers also frequently encounter riders without valid riding permits, third-party insurance, or proper motorcycle registration documents.
The police official additionally criticized the use of unauthorized high-intensity floodlights on motorcycles, saying they endanger other road users and have become a target of ongoing enforcement operations.
Muhwezi emphasized that the Traffic Police regularly conduct nationwide operations, particularly within the Kampala Metropolitan Area, to enforce compliance with road safety regulations. During these operations, motorcycles found in violation of traffic laws are impounded, while offenders are required to pay prescribed fines and provide proof of ownership before their motorcycles are released. Authorities also verify that the motorcycles are not linked to any criminal investigations.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Boda Boda Riders Cooperative Union, Frank Mawejje, commended MOGO Uganda for expanding access to motorcycle financing, which he said has enabled many riders to transition from renting motorcycles to owning them.
Mawejje noted that motorcycle ownership has improved the livelihoods of many riders by promoting financial independence and transforming boda boda operations into sustainable small businesses.
MOGO Uganda, an asset financing company operating under the Eleving Group, provides loans for motorcycles, vehicles, tuk-tuks, smartphones, and cash loans secured against vehicle logbooks. The company offers flexible repayment plans aimed at increasing access to productive assets.
Addressing participants at the meeting, MOGO Uganda’s Head of Customer Experience, Hakah Ayesize, acknowledged the company’s positive working relationship with boda boda riders but highlighted challenges associated with loan repayment within the sector.
Ayesize cited inconsistent repayments, loan defaults, and deliberate attempts by some borrowers to evade their financial obligations as major concerns affecting lenders.
“Many riders deliberately fail to complete their weekly installments even when they have the capacity to pay,” Ayesize said. “Financial institutions face significant risks when motorcycles are recovered after months of intensive use because they are often auctioned at values below the outstanding loan balance.”
He added that some beneficiaries relocate to other districts or become unreachable to avoid repossession, increasing operational costs for financing companies and complicating recovery efforts.
The meeting concluded with calls for greater compliance with traffic regulations, responsible borrowing practices, and continued collaboration between financial institutions, boda boda associations, and law enforcement agencies to improve safety and sustainability within the sector.
