The Minister for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs Betty Amongi has declared that the boda boda-free zone policy will start operating with effect from November 1, 2020. This comes after the cabinet approved KCCA’s decision to create a boda boda-free zone in the Central Business District (CBD).
“The free zone will be starting from, Wampewo roundabout, Jinja road, kitgum house junction, access road, mukwano road, clock tower, kafumbe mukasa road, kisenyi, kyagwe road, watoto church, bombo road, Wandegeya, Haji Musa Kasule road, Mulago roundabout and Kamwokya junction.
While addressing the media, Amongi stated that, they engaged Boda boda leaders and with all the concerns received, they decided to provide more time and ensure a well organised system of work.
“Following the many concerns from boda boda riders, we have decided to put up 585 stages within the city where they will be operating and give them more time to register. Each stage will have a code, color and number for easy identification,” She said.
She also noted that cabinet approved 579 boda boda stages spread through the five divisions of Kampala. The Central division has 32 stages, Kawempe 89 stages, Makindye 136 stages, Nakawa 146 stages while Rubaga division has 179 stages.
Amongi added that, within the 90 days, all riders will have to register at every KCCA division where they will pick a stage of their choice.
“As a Ministry, we will use the 90 days to erect signage of stages, engage Boda boda leaders to standardize transport fees and help them form SACCOs,” She further explained.
She added that digital transport companies should also register their members in a format approved by the Ministry of Works and must belong to a gazetted stage.
“The Ministry of ICT is developing a digital app that will help riders and digital companies to register manually. A passenger will be able to access the rider’s information and the routes he is supposed to use,” Amongi said.
Amongi stated that the Ministry will, however, procure buses running through the same free zones and carrying passengers at a low cost.
“To ensure affordable mass public transport, we will also procure buses running through the same free zones and operating at a very low cost.”
She urged boda boda riders who are violating the COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures to stop henceforth so that they don’t have to be forced into another lockdown.
“Riders are supposed to wear helmets, a face mask and carry sanitizers at all times. They, however, started violating the safety laws just two days after resuming work, this should stop because it will force us back into a lockdown,” Amongi added.
