A section of fathers drawn from the commercial boda boda industry have committed to work towards ending sexual abuse against young girls.
The group has often been castigated for having multiple partners, seducing young girls into sexual affairs, contributing to the high-rate school dropouts among girls and single motherhood across the country.
The commitment was made by a group of boda boda cyclists, who gathered in Busega, a Kampala suburb during a Fathers’ Day celebration, organized by Fathers Arise, an advocacy organization for men and the boy child.
Mr. Blasio Konde, who led a team of boda boda cyclists and stage chairpersons pledged to actively sensitize colleagues in the industry to stop distracting young girls and married women and position themselves as responsible fathers in their communities.
“It’s very unfortunate that some of our boda boda riders engage in sexual relationships with the young girls they transport, who are sometimes in the same age bracket as their own daughters at home. I feel humbled when I transport a child to school, right from nursery to university level, and I want them to attest to the fact that I contributed positively to their lives,” Mr. Konde said.
Pastor Isaac Mukisa, the Executive Director of Fathers’ Arise, has underscored the need to always celebrate the brave men in the boda boda industry who toil daily amidst harsh conditions to provide for their families.
The Remnant Generation, High Sound for Children Uganda and Raising Teenagers Uganda, as members of the Coalition on Ending Sexual Violence were part of the activities to mark this event.
International Fathers’ Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June to highlight the great contribution by Fathers in their families and communities.
