Boda bodas have been offered a ray of hope to resume operations after government issued new standard operating procedures (SOPs) to the cyclists. This was disclosed by the state minister for Transport Joy Kabatsi today Tuesday while addressing parliament.
Boda boda operations were restricted to carrying only cargo after the ministry of Health cautioned that carrying passengers would exacerbate the spread of coronavirus disease due to lack of social distance.
Currently, motorcyclists are restricted to only delivery services and transporting passengers under emergency circumstances. Parliament has over the past one month asked the government to prepare standard operating procedures for boda bodas.
Last week, boda boda operators sued the government for not allowing them to resume passenger transportation. Through their association, the National Federation of Professional Cyclists Network (NFPC), the boda boda riders state that government is acting in a discriminatory manner by allowing other businesses, particularly other public transport service providers, to reopen and yet stop them from carrying passengers.
According to Kabatsi, all boda boda cyclists should sanitize regularly including their jackets and motorcycles before each trip. They will also be required to wear helmets which should be sanitized while passengers wear face shields or masks.
Cyclists should also carry strictly one passenger, while they will also park two meters apart at the stages. Other measures include having a valid riding license, valid third party insurance, and the motorcycle must be in good mechanical condition.
"All motorcycle riders shall at all times while riding wear a face mask covering the mouth and nose and they must have a safety helmet. All passengers shall at all times while travelling on a motorcycle wear a face mask covering the mouth and nose. Passengers are however encouraged to use face shields while travelling on a motorcycle. All boda boda operators are required to regularly disinfect their motorcycles and their jackets," said Kabatsi.
Anifa Kawooya, the Woman MP Ssembabule said that parliament should give a go-ahead and sanction boda bodas to resume operations and not to wait for the president’s announcement.
Centenary Robert, the Kasese Municipality MP asked government to provide special financial assistance and credit to the cyclists when they resume. He says that their businesses and livelihood has been greatly affected by the lockdown.