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According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, there are one million bodaboda riders, but only 120,000 hold licenses
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The Government has lowered the cost of motorcycle driving licenses in response to requests from bodaboda riders. This move aims to make permits, passenger service vehicle licenses, and third-party insurance more affordable. In May, President Yoweri Museveni promised to cut costs while addressing 372 bodaboda leaders from Kampala and Wakiso districts. He assured them the fees would be reduced to sh100,000.
Susan Kataike, spokesperson for the Ministry of Works and Transport, announced that all motorcycles, including three-wheelers, will now pay sh100,000 for a one-year license, including production fees and non-tax revenue. Fees for three- and five-year licenses will be sh130,000 and sh250,000, respectively. Previously, motorcyclists paid sh60,000 for a learner's license, sh135,000 for a one-year license, and sh230,000 and sh330,000 for three- and five-year licenses.
State Minister for Transport, Fred Byamukama, explained that the fees have been halved to promote compliance. He emphasized that all bodaboda riders must have a driving license to ensure they understand road signs, reducing accidents and fatalities. The new fees take effect on August 1, with the learner's license now costing sh40,000. Despite the popularity of bodabodas in Uganda, they have been associated with criminal activities. The minister stated that licensing will help identify and eliminate unscrupulous riders. According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, there are one million bodaboda riders, but only 120,000 hold licenses.
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A 2021 report revealed that motorcyclists account for a significant portion of road accident fatalities, with 1,390 riders and 528 passengers killed. To improve road safety and accountability, the government plans to register all garages to ensure vehicles are repaired to minimum standards. Unregistered operators will face fines and potential jail time.
Torch Media Africa
