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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 24785, member: 2262"] Uganda's Boda-Boda Riders Unite Under New Business Plan. A fresh push to help motorcycle taxi drivers in Uganda has begun. The United Boda-Boda Cooperative Union has started a plan to improve the business and help drivers save money. The group made this move two weeks ago. They want to set up a savings group and a bank just for motorcycle taxi drivers. They also created a new phone app that lets people call for rides anywhere in Uganda. The plan came to life at a meeting in Kansanga. Franka Mawejje leads the Uganda Boda-Boda Association. He said the new app would help drivers demonstrate their abilities. "We made the Union App. We also started singing events. These help us prove our worth as drivers," Mawejje said. Three groups—the United Boda-Boda Riders Cooperative Union, Jambo Riders Uganda Ltd, and Spirit of Africa—are working on this plan. They aim to change how motorcycle taxis work in Uganda. Baker Kasawuli is the union's General Manager. He pointed out past problems in the business: "Drivers paid high loan fees. Rules were unclear. Safety was poor," he said. The motorcycle taxi business brings many jobs to Uganda. It employs 1.2 million drivers at 150,000 stops across the country, including 350,000 drivers in Kampala who work from 1,021 stops. Yet, the business faces hard times. A police report from 2023 shows that these bikes were in 13,856 road crashes, which makes up 37% of all crashes. The report also said these bikes played a part in 15% of all crimes. The new plan brings hope. Drivers can join a savings group that might grow into a bank. They will learn about road safety and how to handle money. The government and private groups will help make things run well. Fred Muwema provides legal help to the union. He says the new system will improve things. "Drivers will have money help, teaching, and clear work rules," he says. Yusuf Mugerwa drives in Mbarara. He feels good about the changes. "This helps all of us, not just those in the big city," he said. James Okot works as a driver in Gulu. He talked about money problems. "We work hard but cannot buy our bikes. Bank loans ask for money back. This group will help us on our bikes," he said. The union plans to start its phone app on February 17. This will help drivers work better and make rides safer. They will put trackers on bikes and teach drivers how to stay safe. Kasawuli thinks this plan will work well. "If we stand as one and follow good rules, we can make this business better," he said. This change means much for Uganda's roads. Motorcycle taxis might soon run more efficiently, helping both drivers and passengers. [/QUOTE]

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