Gulu District, Uganda – In a significant Labour Day event, Gulu’s Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mr. Cosmas James Okidi, marked the day with the Gulu Boda Boda Association, engaging riders on vital road safety regulations and wealth creation initiatives.
The meeting, which was organized in consultation with the office of the District Police Commander (DPC) and the Gulu RDC’s office, focused on improving the welfare of local boda boda operators while ensuring compliance with traffic rules.
During the address, Mr. Okidi took the opportunity to caution boda boda riders against reckless driving, which has become a growing concern in the region.
He urged the riders to take responsibility for their actions on the roads and emphasized the importance of adhering to traffic regulations. “Reckless riding not only puts your life at risk, but also the lives of other road users,” Okidi stated. “Let’s respect the rules of the road to ensure the safety of everyone.”
In his remarks, Mr. Okidi also encouraged the boda boda operators to actively participate in the various wealth creation initiatives promoted by the president. He urged the riders to take advantage of programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and the Youth Livelihood Fund, which have been designed to empower Ugandans at the grassroots level. “I want to implore you to take keen interest in these programs to improve your wellbeing and fight poverty at the household level,” Okidi asserted.
As political activities begin to heat up in the country, Mr. Okidi cautioned the riders to avoid being swayed by political groups with harmful intentions. “As political temperatures rise, I advise you never to join a bad group. Stay focused on positive ventures that will improve your life and community,” he added.
The event also served as an opportunity to welcome new traffic officers and police personnel who were recently transferred to Gulu. Mr. Okidi warmly welcomed the officers and urged them to integrate with the existing teams, stressing the importance of teamwork and collaboration in law enforcement. “Always consult with your colleagues and local leaders as you execute your mandates. Together, we can ensure the safety and security of our roads,” he emphasized.
The gathering, which included traffic officers who took the boda boda riders through important road usage guidelines, highlighted the need for continuous sensitization of road users on general traffic rules and regulations. The aim was to foster a better understanding of road safety and encourage mutual respect between road users and law enforcement.
The meeting concluded with a call for open dialogue, with Mr. Okidi urging boda boda riders to provide feedback on their experiences, challenges, and suggestions to improve road safety and the implementation of traffic regulations. “Your feedback is crucial in ensuring that we continue to improve the safety and well-being of everyone on our roads,” he concluded.
This Labour Day event, which combined both safety awareness and economic empowerment, underscored the importance of collaboration between local authorities, law enforcement, and community members in creating a safer and more prosperous Gulu.
