Editorial
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Sunday celebrated his 81st birthday at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala City.
The birthday celebrations were held concurrently with the first-ever Boda Union Festival and Expo.
During his address, the President who was in the company of the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, thanked boda boda riders for celebrating his birthday with him.
He also highlighted the government’s efforts to protect boda boda riders from exploitative boda loans and moneylenders.
“My agreement with the Boda Bodas is that it is criminal for someone to give you a rabbit and then demand a cow in return. Moneylenders give you Shs5 million and expect Shs15 million back. That is robbery,” he said, adding that high interest rates have made moneylenders “enemies of progress” across sectors, including agriculture.
He explained that this is why the government introduced the Parish Development Model (PDM), which offers low-interest financing.
“If we give you Shs1 million, you pay back just Shs1,125,000 after two years. We have applied the same arrangement for the ghetto and now for the Boda Bodas,” he said.
The President also announced support to the industry and revealed that the State House Comptroller, Ms. Jane Barekye will certify all Boda Boda SACCOs to ensure accountability and prevent selfish individuals from misusing funds.
The celebrations ended with renewed calls for unity, discipline, and innovation within Uganda’s transport and entertainment industries, with leaders pledging to build on the foundation laid by the President.
