Regulation of Boda Boda Operators and Road Accident Reduction in Uganda: A Case of Kampala City Council Authority

Abstract

Motorcycle transport commonly referred to as Boda Boda is a
popular means of transport in Uganda. It is cheap compared to the
other forms of motorized transport, easy to maneuver where roads
are impassable to motor vehicles, and carries passengers from doorto-door because the culture of walking is not typical to many Ugandans.
Despite benefits offered by boda boda transport, it has proved
difficult for the government to regulate the industry. There is some
operational discipline provided by the associations to which majority
of boda boda operators belong though most of them have only a
local jurisdiction. Lack of clear regulations in the boda boda industry
as well as weak enforcement of these regulations is threatening the  safety of passengers and riders as well. Despite several attempts to
streamline the industry, the exercise has not been successful, making
boda boda account for a significant number of fatal road accidents
across the country. The purpose of the study was to investigate the
regulation of boda boda operations in Kampala City Council Authority
(KCCA) and its impact on road accident reduction. A quantitative
research approach and cross-sectional survey were adopted. Data
were collected using a self- administered questionnaire. Implications
for both theory and practice are discussed, especially suggestions for
government in formulation of policies and regulations that govern boda
boda operations.