The boda boda industry, which is responsible for providing 47 percent of the city’s transport operations, is currently facing a severe flooding crisis due to the increasing frequency of floods in the Kampala Metropolitan Area.
During the rainy season, boda bodas often become the transport of choice, especially on days filled with heavy rain, flooding, chaotic traffic jams, and impassable muddy roads. However, this convenience comes at a cost, as floodwaters can submerge the motorcycles, damaging engines and other delicate components and, in some cases, causing lasting mechanical failure if repairs are delayed.
With the Ministry of Works and Transport introducing mandatory vehicle and motorcycle inspection and enforcing strict measures, many motorcycles are likely to fail due to flood-related damage, particularly those parked during heavy rains.
Mr. Geoffrey Ndogezi, the Executive Director of the Traffic Safety Awareness Organisation (TRASAO), a ROSACU member organisation, explained that flooding has significantly affected boda boda operations and altered customer patterns, just as it has impacted city traders. Ndogezi emphasized that authorities must respond and support riders in addressing flood-related challenges, which disrupt businesses and livelihoods. He said that during floods, retrieving submerged motorcycles becomes difficult, forcing riders to first take them to garages for repairs before resuming work. As a result, mobility becomes extremely limited, leading to widespread disruption, as many transporters temporarily withdraw from operations.
Mr. Ndogezi noted that the flooding is exacerbated by ongoing construction on major streets and incomplete drainage channels, which obstruct water flow and lead to overflows. He stressed that construction should be expedited to ensure drainage channels are cleared and floodwaters properly redirected.
Addressing Riders’ Concerns
Mr. Ngogezi said despite riders demonstrating compliance with traffic regulations, such as the recent operation carried out by KCCA to de-congest the city centre and assigning riders to designated stages, a move that improved mobility and pedestrian safety, boda boda riders feel their concerns and wellbeing are often ignored.
He said many riders affected by flooding are now left stranded and can only cope by waiting helplessly. Ndogezi demand that while shop owners have engaged with KACITA and HAM
(The contractor responsible for the temporary disruption along the Nakivubo Channel main drainage system due to ongoing construction) regarding compensation, boda boda riders whose motorcycles are damaged should also be considered. According to him, boda bodas’ losses are difficult to quantify, but every instance of flooding results in significant damage, therefore, compensation plans should also include riders who can prove their motorcycles were affected.
He said unlike traders, boda boda riders may lack strong organizational representation like KACITA. However, a union exists and maintains records of registered stage members. Ndogezi advised riders to engage with leaders at different levels and channel concerns through the union, which can also help identify affected individuals in flooded areas.
Changes in Transport Patterns
According to TRASAO quarterly data, 34 percent of trips in Kampala are made by boda boda, and demand rises significantly during flooding. Heavy rains cause congestion and stranded vehicles, increasing reliance on boda bodas. Yet, flood damage prevents some riders from operating, creating a mismatch between supply and demand.
Regulation Changes
Authorities no longer permit boda bodas to operate in Kampala without designated stages. Riders who previously operated without stages have now been gazetted into official ones. Overall, boda boda operators are complying with imposed regulations and deserve to be heard, with their concerns addressed.