For more than a decade, SafeBoda has played a significant role in formalising Uganda’s boda boda transport sector, providing thousands of riders with a platform to earn a livelihood.
However, the company has raised concerns over a recent directive issued by Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) restricting boda boda access to parts of the city centre.
While acknowledging efforts by KCCA to restore order and improve traffic management in Kampala, SafeBoda says the blanket restriction has created uncertainty for riders and digital transport platforms.
“KCCA has made commendable efforts in recent years to bring order and sanity to the city, and we support those initiatives,” the company said in a statement. “However, the recent directive restricting boda bodas from accessing the city has raised several concerns among riders and digital transport operators.”
According to SafeBoda, the directive leaves several operational questions unanswered despite earlier assurances that authorities would engage stakeholders.
Among the concerns raised is how riders will handle trips destined for the city centre.
For instance, the company questioned whether a rider from areas such as Najjera or Kira Municipality would be expected to drop passengers at locations like Wandegeya if their destination is City Square or Nakasero.
The company also questioned how passengers would access boda boda services if riders are restricted to designated stages.
“Are customers expected to walk one or two kilometres to the nearest gazetted stage and negotiate with a rider there?” the company asked.
SafeBoda further called for clarification regarding the ownership and management of the newly gazetted boda boda stages.
The company asked who owns the stages, how operators are selected, and what fees riders may be required to pay in order to operate from those locations.
Another key concern raised relates to how digital transport platforms — including SafeBoda, Faras, and Union App — are expected to operate if they cannot access the designated stages.
SafeBoda said its intention is not to oppose KCCA’s efforts to organise urban transport but to ensure that reforms consider the realities of the boda boda sector and the thousands of people who depend on it for income.
“Kampala, like any modern city, relies on private sector participation in transport services. This infrastructure supports daily economic activity and cannot simply be ignored,” the company noted.
The firm has called on KCCA leadership to engage with industry stakeholders to develop solutions that improve city order while safeguarding jobs and livelihoods.
“We are ready to align with the city’s planning goals, provided that these goals are developed with input from stakeholders who have the riders, operational data, and technical infrastructure needed to support sustainable solutions,” the statement said.
