Mp aciro paska launches chair rental initiative to boost boda-boda welfare in Pader

8 June 2025, 20:50

By Ekel Bonny Daniel

UGX 31.25 Million Worth of Support Targets Economic Empowerment and Sustainability

In a bold show of grassroots empowerment, Pader Woman Member of Parliament Hon. Aciro Paska Menya has donated 1,250 plastic chairs to the Pader District Boda-Boda Association, a gesture valued at UGX 31.25 million, with the aim of promoting economic self-reliance among motorcycle taxi operators.

The donation was officially launched on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at the Pader Mayor’s Garden, beginning with the distribution of 200 chairs 50 each to Paiula, Ogom, Pukor sub-counties and Pader Town Council. The donation is part of a district-wide initiative in which each of the 23 sub-counties will receive 50 plastic chairs.

Hon. Aciro, while addressing boda-boda leaders and community members at the launch, said the initiative was part of her broader pledge to uplift informal workers across Pader. She emphasized that chairs, unlike cash, would generate long-term income for the association through rental services.

“Plastic chairs can be hired out and the money deposited into the association’s account. This way, it multiplies and benefits the entire group,” she said.

The legislator also appealed to those who have not yet benefited to remain patient, assuring them that more support is planned. She cited her recent donation of 24 wheelchairs to persons with disabilities, and reminded attendees of her earlier efforts, including the distribution of 2,000 reflector jackets and facemasks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As the Woman MP, I represent the whole district I support everyone without discrimination,” she affirmed.

Pader District Boda-Boda Association Chairperson, Mr. Oneka Robert, speaking on behalf of other sub-county representatives, lauded the MP’s unwavering support.

“We thank Hon. Aciro for standing with us not only today but even during tough times. She supported us with reflector jackets, face masks, and even sponsored our football match with Kalongo Town Council,” said Oneka.

However, he also appealed for more comprehensive support including refresher training on traffic regulations, road sign interpretation, and business management.

“We need capacity-building programs. The former MP Samuel Odonga Otto helped some of us before, and our efforts were recognized by the Officer in Charge of Traffic in Pader,” Oneka noted.

He also raised concerns over high-interest motorcycle loans and the district’s deteriorating road conditions, calling on government and Parliament to intervene.

In response, Hon. Aciro pledged UGX 2 million to support training programs but tasked the boda-boda association with conducting internal elections to streamline their leadership structures for better coordination and accountability.

“You need an organized structure. With elected leaders, it becomes easier for us to work together and address deeper issues,” she advised.

The event attracted several local leaders and community members, including Ogom Sub-County Chairperson Amone Bosco, Pader Town Council LCIII Chairperson Labongo Dickson, and NRM leaders Oling Bosco (Pader Town Council) and Okot David (Pukor), who praised the boda-boda community for their vital role in local transportation.

Mego Santana Adong, a resident of Lagwai East Cell in Pader Town Council, also hailed the MP’s gesture:

“These chairs will serve us longer than cash would. I call on other elected leaders to emulate Hon. Aciro’s inclusive approach,” she said.

As the distribution continues to the remaining sub-counties, the initiative is being widely viewed as a model of sustainable, community-rooted development.