Boda boda riders in Pader put lives at risk During campaigns

25 October 2025, 1:29 pm

By Daniel Odong

Reckless riding by boda boda cyclists in Pader District has sparked public concern during the just concluded nominations as riders engaged in dangerous stunts, overspeeding and careless overtaking during campaign convoys.

Despite ongoing efforts by authorities to enforce traffic regulations, some boda boda riders have continued to disregard road safety. Many are being used as mobilisers and advance teams for political candidates, often riding at dangerously high speeds while hooting, cheering and performing risky stunts to attract crowds.

Jusper, a resident of Agwel, appealed to the riders to value life while on the road and avoid unnecessary excitement that endangers passengers and pedestrians.

“…Cue in: atye wyinyo joo…
…pegi paro kwo gi… Cue out.”
(Translation: I hear people cheering but they should remember to think about their lives.)

The situation is made worse by the heavy rains which have damaged roads, creating deep potholes and corrugations that increase the risk of accidents, especially for riders speeding in convoys.

Owiny Anthony, a resident of Progali, told Luo FM that the excitement of political rallies often makes riders act without caution.

Owiny-Luo
“…Cue in: lutino Boda boda…
…Apwoyo matek… Cue out.”

The Chairperson of the Pader Town Council Boda Boda Association, Mr. Oringa Bosco Okot, said they recently held a meeting to caution riders against reckless behavior during campaign events. He urged them to ride responsibly and remember that accidents can cause permanent loss.

Oringa Bosco Okot-Luo
“…Cue in: I kare ma lucungu…
…Kelo peko… Cue out.”

According to the Directorate of Traffic Police and Road Safety, motorcycles were involved in nearly half of all road accidents recorded in 2023. The report also indicates that an average of four people die daily in boda boda-related accidents in Uganda, most of them young males aged between 18 and 35 years.

Road safety activists are now urging politicians to take responsibility and ensure their campaign teams observe traffic guidelines to prevent loss of lives.