Speaker Among Praises Boda Boda Riders As M7 Celebrates His 81st Birthday At The First Ever Boda Union Festival

Over the weekend, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni 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, the Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Anita Among 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.

While delivering her message, Speaker Among  commended the boda-boda sector for its exceptional contributions, not only to the county’s economy but also to the daily lives of Ugandans. 

“You play a vital role in our communities—whether it’s ensuring children are safely transported to school, delivering goods to our markets, helping patients reach hospitals in urgent situations, or keeping our neighbourhoods connected”-Among 

She also noted that they are not just riders, they are essential lifelines. 

“Today, we proudly celebrate your impact.I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to His Excellency, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, for championing inclusivity and empowerment across all sectors of our society” -Among

Among says president M7’s efforts in fostering an environment where businesses can thrive and communities can prosper are truly commendable.