Boda Boda Riders Praise Museveni for Reducing Licensing Fees
Boda boda riders have expressed their appreciation to President Yoweri Museveni for fulfilling his promise to lower the licensing fees for motorcycle operators. This move is seen as a significant step towards improving road safety and reducing accidents.
According to the riders, the lack of permits has been a major factor in road accidents. Many riders have been maneuvering recklessly to avoid being caught by traffic police for riding without a license. Charles Nduggwa, the vice chairman of boda boda riders in Kampala Central Division, explained that the fear of arrest led to non-compliance with traffic regulations, such as obeying traffic lights. This has resulted in numerous injuries and fatalities among riders and their passengers.
Nduggwa highlighted the inequity of the previous licensing fees, noting that riders who transport only one passenger were paying the same amount as drivers of larger vehicles, such as 14-seater taxis or buses. He encouraged all boda boda riders to take advantage of the new fee structure and obtain their licenses.
Frank Mawejje, chairperson of the boda boda leadership in Kampala, advised riders to avoid using agents or brokers to obtain their licenses to prevent being overcharged. He warned that some driving schools might exploit the situation by charging higher fees. Mawejje recommended that riders go directly to the issuing offices for their permits.
Mawejje also suggested that the license-issuing agencies implement special arrangements to handle boda boda riders efficiently, to reduce congestion and delays at the centers.
The Ministry of Works and Transport, through Uganda Security Printing Company Ltd., has announced new licensing fees for various motorcycle categories. The revised fees are as follows: sh40,000 for a learner’s license, sh100,000 for a one-year license, sh130,000 for a three-year license, and sh250,000 for a five-year license. The categories include Class A for motorcycles with no sidecar, Class A1 for motorcycles with a cubic capacity not exceeding 125cc, and Class B1 for motorized tricycles and quadricycles.
