Boda-Boda Motorcycle Taxis: A Lifeline and Hazard in Kampala

In Uganda's capital, the surge of boda-boda taxis reflects economic desperation and regulatory challenges.

Kampala's streets are filled with 350,000 boda-boda motorcycles, a critical yet chaotic transport option.
High unemployment drives young men, including degree holders, to become boda-boda drivers.
These unregulated taxis pose significant safety risks, contributing to rising fatal accidents and crime.
Efforts to regulate boda-bodas face resistance from drivers fearing job loss and economic instability.
President Museveni's political support hinges partly on the boda-boda community, complicating regulatory enforcement.