By Sadique Bamwita
Kampala
Several female boda boda riders in Kampala metropolitan area, have been trained on road safety and professionalism so as to scale down accidents that are likely to result from reckless riding and unprofessionalism.
The training was organized by Kampala Twezimbe Women Boda Boda Riders Association (under the Boda Boda
Industry Uganda) in partnership with the Uganda Police Force, Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS) and other key players in the boda boda industry .
The training tackled the challenges faced by female motorcycle riders while providing them with the skills and support they need to succeed in a male space
The Chairperson of the Kampala Twezimbe
Women Boda Boda Riders Association, Dativah Mukeshimana, stressed the association’s role in empowering
female riders and the importance of these riders to Uganda’s economy.
“We want to cause a behavioural change and a shift in mindset on how people see the role of women in society. These female riders deserve to be seen as professional, safe and responsible riders.” Mukeshimana Dativah stated.
The chairperson of NRM Women’s League, Hon.Adrine Kobusingye, commended the Kampala Twezimbe Women Boda Boda Riders Association for championing
professionalism, road safety, and self-reliance among female riders.
“As women, we must continue to lead by example, embrace discipline, support one another, and contribute positively to safer roads and stronger communities.” Hon. Kobusingye reminded women on their roles.
Besides training the participants on road safety, and professionalism, they were also trained in customer care, mental health, and following traffic rules. The acquired skills are intended to help female riders to do their jobs better.
The spokesperson for Traffic police , Michael Kananura, advised female riders on how to improve standards by urging them to embrace “disciplined road behaviour if they are to stay safe on the road while avoiding the long arm of the law by the traffic police.
A representative from the Ministry of Works and Transport informed riders that government is in the advanced stages of reintroducing EPS, designed to encourage compliance with traffic laws, reduce dangerous driving practices, and create safer roads for all Ugandans.
“Every road user has a role to play in making our roads safer, and EPS is one of the tools helping us achieve that goal. Our focus is on changing behaviour and enhancing road safety.” Ministry of works official explained .
On the other hand, Steven Turyarugayo, the Public Relations Consultant for Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS), emphasised the role of this technology in enhancing security and vehicle traceability to the female riders, arguing that it is aimed at reducing road accidents and insecurity on the the Ugandan roads.
“We have just concluded the national validation exercise on the Express Penalty System. The feedback from Ugandans has been positive, with many expressing optimism that EPS will reduce road accidents and bring sanity to our roads,” Turyarugayo stated.
Similarly, the training factored in ideas from the private sector who highlighted e-mobility and advanced automotive technology. This signals a move towards a sustainable and efficient transport future.
This collaborative effort is a model for empowering women in the transport sector. It shows that targeted training and government-private sector partnership are key to create better transport services.
As Uganda modernises its transport infrastructure, the Kampala Twezimbe Women Boda Boda Riders Association is leading the way. They are making sure that women riders are not just participants but leaders in road safety and professionalism.
