Summary:
- According to Ochuli, during campaign periods, political aspirants make various pledges in support of their association, such as promising government programs, enhancing their saving schemes, and supporting their children’s education, only to fail to fulfill these pledges once they assume office.
KATAKWI: Passenger motorcycle operators, popularly known as boda bodas, in Katakwi district have resolved not to accept being exploited and misused by politicians for personal gains during the 2026 election campaigns.
The Katakwi district Boda Boda Association Chairperson, Eria Olupot, says all members of the group are under strict instructions to resist being lured by political aspirants for mobilization purposes without reaching their offices for consent.
Olupot made these remarks to this publication during an interview at the boda boda association office recently while completing the boda boda stage by Dan Mulalu at Katakwi town council.
According to Olupot, during political campaign periods, aspirants hire them and use them as pawns to advance their own selfish needs under the pretext of mobilizing voters for their political gains and patronage.
He says political aspirants may offer them fuel worth a mere 2000 shillings and subject them to travel lengthy distances, which is often time-wasting and compromises their cardinal purpose of making money.
“As the association in various districts, we have come up with the idea of having our own MP in parliament now,” Olupot said.
The Soroti district Active Boda Boda Association’s Chairperson, Richard Ochuli, equally condemned the continued neglect by political leaders who only want them during campaign periods, abandoning them after assuming political office or when they are faced with problems.
According to Ochuli, during campaign periods, political aspirants make various pledges in support of their association, such as promising government programs, enhancing their saving schemes, and supporting their children’s education, only to fail to fulfill these pledges once they assume office.
He said having their own leader in parliament can also help in motivation and issue handling at their level.
Sam Okello, one of the boda boda riders, said they are tired of being used by different politicians who leave them with nothing afterward.
Meanwhile, Dan Mulalu, the private secretary in the office of the president under mobilization, thanked the boda bodas for the initiative but asked them to share it with other members from different areas or sub-regions.
“I am ready to back them up if the lawmakers support the idea of them having their MP in our parliament of Uganda,” Mulalu said.
However, Geoffrey Omolo, chairman LCV Katakwi district, appreciated the boda bodas for their initiative but called for patience as the leaders discuss it for guidance.
