Boda boda riders in Kisoro District have been urged to strengthen their savings culture as a pathway to improving household incomes and reducing poverty.
Speaking during the annual general meeting of the Kisoro United Boda Boda Operators (KUBO) at Saaza Grounds in Kisoro Municipality on Wednesday, the association’s former chairperson, Robert Maniragaba Umukwenda, said many riders remain financially vulnerable because they spend most of their earnings instead of saving for the future.
He encouraged riders to join village savings groups and cooperatives, arguing that consistent saving enables members to meet essential expenses such as school fees, healthcare and investment in income-generating activities.
“Saving helps riders build financial resilience and improve the welfare of their families,” he said, adding that organised savings also make it easier for members to access credit.
CUE IN MANIRAGABA….ON SAVING…..RR//
Maniragaba credited government support for helping strengthen the association over the years. He said President Museveni has made financial contributions to the group on several occasions, including Shs20 million in 2013, another Shs20 million in 2020 and Shs70 million more recently.
According to him, the support has enabled the association to grow from a small membership when it was founded in 2001 to a stronger organisation that is now marking its 25th anniversary.
The current KUBO chairperson, Robert Karangala, said the association intends to complete construction of its office building, improve hygiene standards among riders and work closely with security agencies to eliminate criminals who use motorcycles to commit offences.
He noted that promoting discipline among riders would improve the public image of the boda boda industry and enhance public safety.
CUE IN KARANGALA…..ON THE MATTER….RR//
Kisoro District Police Commander SP Cosmas Edatu warned riders against collaborating with criminals, including smugglers and other offenders who use motorcycles to facilitate illegal activities.
He urged operators to observe traffic regulations and cooperate with security agencies in maintaining law and order.
CUE IN EDATU….ON CRIMINALS…..RR.ENG//
State Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs and Kisoro District Woman MP, Grace Akifeza Ngabirano, pledged support towards the construction of the association’s building by donating 150 bags of cement and Shs2 million.
