About Boda bodas in Uganda East Africa. We use the term Boda bodas to refer to motorcycle taxis which have become a common mode of transportation in cities, especially in Uganda’s Kampala capital city where human and vehicle traffic congestion remains a challenge. Originally, the term referred collectively to carrier business, including manual bicycles that people used in the 1980s and early 1990s to smuggle goods from border to border across Uganda Kenya among other countries. People shortened the phrase ‘from border to border’ to Boda boda inn time. It is unique to this region. As motorcycles, which are faster than bicycles, gained advantage, they quickly replaced bicycles. And the term “Boda boda” in Uganda now exclusively refers to motorcycle taxis. Some use gasoline while others are electric. In Kenya and among other countries, they may have different names, such as “Piki pikis.”
Here’s how Boda bodas in Uganda can be utilized for tourism
Over 200,000 Boda boda riders operate in Kampala capital city everyday. These commercial motorcycles offer the quickest means of transport for some people on a day to day errands across the city. Boda bodas are majorly used in areas where human and vehicle traffic congestion remains a challenge.
It is October 7th 2021, I set off from Entebbe at 6:45am and drive to Kampala Serena Hotel for an orientation breakfast meeting on issues of public health importance. Sometimes driving from Entebbe to Kampala can take hours due to vehicular traffic jam. Having realized that I will be late for a meeting, I decided to park the car. Somewhere in Najjanankumbi and take on the Boda boda ride to the hotel.
Boda bodas in Uganda are so helpful in maneuvering Kampala traffic jam. But, I can assure you the ride on these motorcycles isn’t for the faint heart. If you want to save money opt for those riding towards your destination. Taking a ride on such Boda bodas is cheaper and safer during the day, however. During evening and late night hours, I would advise you to take a Boda boda ride listed online from service providers. or those operating from a gazetted stage for safety concerns. Some organized Boda boda groups registered online including Safe Boda, Tugende, and Boda boda city tours.
How to stay safe
Avoid being ridden off the main road during late evening hours and at night. You might be robbed of your belongings. Sometimes, some of the registered staged mobile Boda bodas might not be as honest as you think. This transport sub-sector fails to meet expectations. Ideally, both the registered and unregistered and probably the non-staged mobile Boda bodas will rarely abide by road traffic rules. They will ride on pavements, go past traffic lights, some riders will never helmets. They will over speed and could leave you stuck in a case of an accident as some speed off after making accidents. The Motorcycle Road Traffic Injuries rose from 24.5% to 33.9% from 2009 to 2017 (Silvia et al., 2020).
My advise is never to pay before you reach your destination. And always tell the rider to reduce speed and wear a safety helmet if its available. Enjoy your ride across Kampala!
However, if well organized, Boda bodas can serve as a key part of the tourism sector, employing different classes of people including graduates. They can offer quick tours around Kampala capital city. For instance, the Kampala Boda boda City Tours, an organized group of Boda bodas transporting tourists across the city has received positive reviews on Trip Advisor. Carman T.P a tourist who toured some parts of Kampala city wrote “Great tour! we had a very good experience Boda boda city tours! Walter the owner was very flexible and responsive when I made the inquiry (general info, pick up, date etc)…”
Before Covid-19 outbreak in Uganda, Walter Wandera, a Boda boda city tour operator reported that he earned between shs72,000 to shs96,000 for a 4-hour tour of Kampala.
The amazing attractions to the visitors were the chaos that goes about the Old and New Taxi Parks in Kampala. As people go about their business. Visiting popular sites such as Kabaka’s Lake in Ndeeba, Bahai Temple, Gadaffi Mosque, Lubiri (Kings Palace), and Kasubi Tombs, a UNESCO world heritage site. You can use the motorcycle taxis for day trips from Kampala and Entebbe.
When well organized, Boda bodas have the potential to efficiently contribute to the tourism sector and transport industry in Kampala. What you should do? The Kampala City Authority should come up with guidelines on how Boda bodas can efficiently operate in Kampala by abiding to the traffic rules and regulations.
