Women in the boda boda (motorcycle taxi) industry in Kampala, Uganda, have voiced concerns over harsh working conditions, persistent stigma, and rising accidents, according to a report by the Daily Monitor on May 10, 2026. The riders, speaking during a Mother's Day event organized by the Uganda Women's Boda Boda Association, called for improved road safety and greater protection for female riders.
The event highlighted that women face harassment from male colleagues and customers, as well as lack of access to safety gear and training. The association's chairperson, Sarah Nakato, stated that many women have been forced to leave the industry due to these challenges. The report noted that accidents involving boda bodas have increased by 15% in Kampala over the past year, according to police data.
In response, the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) announced plans to introduce mandatory safety training for all boda boda riders, with a focus on female riders. The initiative aims to reduce accidents and improve working conditions. The government also pledged to address stigma through public awareness campaigns.
The article did not provide specific statistics on the number of women in the industry, but the association estimates that women make up less than 5% of boda boda riders in Kampala. The riders emphasized the need for financial support and access to loans to purchase motorcycles and safety equipment.
