I say they are a blessing because they are the fastest mode of transportation in
Uganda. They are not only swift, but also reliable in times of
emergencies like when vehicles get stuck in a jam or can't access certain
areas, these motorcycles slither their way through with ease and we always end up getting to where we are going much faster compared to
a vehicle. But this is only to a smaller extent.
To a bigger extent, they are the leading cause of accidents in Uganda. It has led the national referral hospital to set up a special ward to handle victims of motorbike-related accidents. Head and limb injuries are among the most common. “Head injuries are the
commonest cause of death among motorbike riders and passengers,”as observed by Dr. Robert Wongoda, a general surgeon and clinical head in the accident and emergency unit at the Mulago National Referral Hospital. Riders also risk being assaulted by criminals, especially at night.
Thugs usually pose as passengers, and when the motorcycle reaches a dark
corner, riders are hit with hammers and iron bars, cracking their
skulls. Thugs then take off with the motorbike and the day’s earnings(what a waste). Most of them even keep crossing over in front of moving vehicles without warning on high ways and this confuses the vehicle drivers which leads to accidents.
I think the government of Uganda should borrow a leaf from the people of Rwanda
and instill laws on boda boda cyclists, they should be entitled to carry not more than one passenger, female passengers should sit astride like men and they are not
allowed to take their babies on the motorbikes. A uniform jackets should also be provided to create uniformity and for easy identification in order to keep a watch on the boda boda cyclists.
And seriously Ugandans should learn to respect traffic lights,,.... "where is the civilisation in Uganda?"
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