Women Boda Boda Riders in Kampala Face Difficult Conditions, Stigma

Women operating boda bodas in Kampala are raising alarms about the demanding and unsafe conditions they face daily. Members of the Twezimbe Women Boda Boda Association shared their struggles, which include the risks of accidents, nighttime insecurity, and pervasive stigma within the male-dominated transport industry.

Despite these challenges, many women have turned to boda boda riding as a vital source of income to support their families, driven by limited alternative employment opportunities. Dathive Mukeshimana, the association’s chairperson, emphasized the heightened dangers female riders encounter, stating, “It is challenging to be both a mother and a boda boda rider because the work itself is risky.”

The association, comprising over 150 members, is advocating for stricter road safety measures and an improvement in road conditions, which they believe contribute to accident rates. They also called for a shift in negative public perceptions towards women in this profession.

Experts and transport stakeholders acknowledge the significant economic contribution of women in the transport sector, yet they remain vulnerable. There’s a growing call for increased road safety awareness campaigns targeting all boda boda riders and a greater emphasis on responsible road use to curb the rising number of traffic accidents, fatalities, and injuries, which consistently involve motorcycles.

Police officials have urged riders to prioritize safety by consistently using helmets, avoiding speeding, and adhering to traffic rules. These calls come at a time when national road traffic deaths have shown an upward trend, underscoring the urgency for improved safety protocols within the boda boda industry.

This article is based on information from the Daily Monitor.