The Kampala Capital City Authority Affairs (KCCA) has banned Boda Boda (commercial motorcycles) from plying major roads in Uganda.
In May, all Boda Boda riders were advised to register either under a ride-hailing startup or with the Ugandan authorities as part of a COVID-19 control strategy. A new directive was issued for Boda Boda to resume operations on Monday, 27thJuly2020. This time, the cabinet approved a “Boda Boda-Free Zone” clause submitted by the KCCA to prohibit commercial riders from accessing major city routes.
The Boda Boda -Free Zone passes through:
Wampewo Roundabout – Jinja Road/Kitgum House Junction -Access Road – Mukwano Road/Clock Tower – Kafumbe Musaka Road – Kisenyi Road – Mackay Road – Kyaggwe Rpad – Watoto Church – Bombo Road – Wandegeya – Hajj Musa Kasule Road – Mulago Roundabout – Kamwokya Junction – Sturrock Road – Prince Charles Drive – Lugogo Bypass – Jinja Rpad – Wampewo Roundabout.
With this new regulation, thousands ofcommercialriders in the Kampala Metropolitan Area will be relegated to thesuburbs. Commuters will be left with the options of transporting using private cars, bicycles, taxis, and buses.
The KCCA’s regulation is similar to the famousLagos Okada Banthat took effect in February this year. Many ride-hailing startups had to convert their bikes for delivery and logistics to remain in business, while many drivers scamper about and left stranded without means of livelihood. With this ban in Uganda, ride-hailing startups in Africa are beginning to consider porting to logistics and delivery services.
