Formalise boda boda industry for economic growth, government urged

NTUNGAMO. The deputy managing director of Civil Aviation Authority, Mr Fred Bamwesigye, has asked government to embrace boda boda industry as a formal sector and use it in developing the country.

Mr Bamwesigye, who is also a board member of the National Social Security Fund, said boda boda industry is increasingly becoming one of the biggest employers in the country, but many people still do not take the job as formal employment.

He said : “It is looked at as a sector for idle people and those who have become failures in society. Boda boda riding is employing very many people but the recognition of the sector has been low. We need to understand that they are key pillars in national development and government needs to recognise the business,” Mr Bawesigye said.

He was responding to complaints made by the Ntungamo boda boda association chairperson, Mr Alex Kasaja, during the launch of the Ntungamo Municipality Boda Boda Movement Association at Kyamate playground in Ntungamo Town on Sunday.

Mr Kasaja said the marginalisation of boda boda cyclists by leaders and other society members must end because they contribute to national development.

The association unites the more than 1,000 cyclists in the municipality and neighbouring sub-counties to pool resources for individual and community development. Mr Bamwesigye, however, said the cyclists need to save and invest the money they earn other than spending it in leisure and on women which reduces their life.

Speaking at the function, the South Ankole Diocese Bishop, Rev Nathan Ahimbisibwe, asked the boda boda riders to be great ambassadors in the fight against crime and spread of HIV/Aids.