Boda Boda riders run to court for their rights and freedom.

By; Rachael Najjuma

06^th July 2020

A section of Boda Boda cyclists have dragged the government to the high court civil division seeking to be allowed to carry passengers.

Under their umbrella Association “National Federation of Professional Cyclists Network”- (NFPC) led by their five directors who include Fred Kagaba, Semakula Twaha, Darausi Basereka Mbazira , Yassin Ssemuju and Umar Jjuko Katerega, they contend that the government restrictions on boda Boda Transport from carrying passengers is not acceptable in a free and fair democratic society.

Through their lawyers led  by Anthony  Wameri they argue that since they don’t face their clients they are less likely to spread Covid-19 like other transport means and also claim that they are willing to comply with all the guidelines like having the sanitizers to avoid the spread of the disease thus want court to direct the government to allow them carry passengers  and also make a declaration that the government’s refusal for them to do so is a State  failure of its duties enshrined in the Constitution.

However justice Michael Elubu has advised them to file for an application for urgency such that their case can be heard before court breaks off for a month vacation effective July 15.

In March 2020, President Yoweri Museveni banned Boda Boda’s from carrying passengers as one way of preventing the spread of Covid-19 pandemic and directed that Boda Bodas will remain operational but limited to carrying cargo and end their duties at 5:00pm

This comes barely a week when  one Hussein Walugembe a boda boda cyclist in Masaka set himself on ablaze for failing to secure his motorcycle from the police.