Boda-Boda Motorcycle Taxis in Uganda

In Kampala, Uganda, tens of thousands of men rely on motorcycle taxis, known locally as boda-bodas, as a primary source of income. Many drivers, like Zubairi Idi Nyakuni, express that they have no other options despite holding degrees and advanced qualifications. With approximately 76% of Uganda's population under 35, the country faces a growing unemployment crisis, which has escalated from 9% in 2019 to 12% in 2021, with youth unemployment peaking at 17%. While boda-bodas provide essential transportation, they also contribute to the city's chaotic atmosphere. The motorcycles have been implicated in various criminal activities, including smuggling, and have been involved in high-profile incidents, such as the transport of Uganda’s transport minister to the hospital after a violent attack in 2021. Annual police reports highlight the role of motorcycle taxis in violent crime, raising concerns about public safety. The rise in motorcycle-related fatalities is alarming, with deaths increasing from 621 in 2014 to 1,404 in 2021. A culture of non-compliance with traffic regulations among boda-boda drivers exacerbates the situation, prompting calls for the establishment of official motorcycle taxi stands to enhance order and safety on the roads. Many drivers work under precarious conditions, often for business owners who supply motorcycles but retain the right to repossess them if payments are missed. This precarious employment model leaves drivers vulnerable, with some reporting days of work without any earnings.