Iganga: During his presidential tour of Busoga, which began on January 23 this year, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni concluded his visit with a number of key engagements, including the launch of new blocks at Tembo Steel Milling Company. He was accompanied by his Second Prime Minister, Lukiya Isanga Nakadama, and all the Members of Parliament (MPs) from Busoga.
After the ceremony, the President proceeded to Iganga District Headquarters, where he met with boda boda riders and their passengers, led by local district leaders.
In his address to the boda boda community, President Museveni praised their hard work and urged them to consider joining a loan scheme designed to help them. He also spoke about the practice of some lenders who charge exorbitant amounts for boda boda loans, noting that if there is evidence of such exploitation, appropriate actions would be taken. The President further pledged to provide iron sheet roofing for all boda boda stages in Busoga to improve working conditions for riders.
He also addressed the issue of murder cases involving boda boda riders, particularly those who are killed after nearly finishing paying off their loans. The President emphasized that if evidence of foul play is found, those responsible should be held accountable. He concluded by assuring the riders that the government would take action on any solution they requested.
The Presidential Mobilizer and Deputy Press Secretary, Hajj Farouk Kilunda, expressed gratitude to the President for visiting Busoga and engaging with the people on various development issues. Kilunda also highlighted the issue of rampant murders among boda boda riders, especially those who are nearing the completion of their loans, and criticized the lack of proper investigations into these cases.
Second Prime Minister Lukiya Isanga Nakadama, who is also the Woman MP for Mayuge District, thanked the President for his personal visit to Busoga, noting that the time spent engaging with the people showed his commitment to the region’s development. She acknowledged the positive impact of government programs like the Parish Development Model, Emyooga, and Operation Wealth Creation, which have brought tangible benefits to Busoga. Nakadama also urged the Ministry of Environment to degazette forest land in Mayuge to clarify ownership and responsibility for that land.
The Members of Parliament from Busoga, led by the Woman MP and Iganga Municipality MP, Hon. Peter Mugema, also attended the event. Hon. Mugema reminded the President of promises made during the recent elections, including the construction of 15 kilometers of roads in the municipality, upgrading Iganga Main Hospital to a referral hospital for all districts in Busoga, and building a proper market for the people of Busoga to sell their produce.
Eria Musobya, the Head of Boda Boda Busoga and Chairman of Boda Boda Riders in Jinja District, also addressed the President, thanking him for visiting the boda boda community. Musobya spoke about the challenges boda boda riders face in the region, particularly the high costs imposed by lenders who provide motorcycles on loan. He pointed out that this financial burden often forces riders into a cycle of debt, making it difficult to lift themselves out of poverty. He also raised concerns about the increasing number of murders among boda boda riders, particularly those who are about to finish paying off their loans, and urged the President to take stronger action against these criminal activities.
Musobya concluded by requesting specialized training for boda boda leaders in patriotism and national unity. He also thanked Hajj Farouk Kilunda for his efforts in mobilizing the President to address the concerns of boda boda riders in Busoga.
