Commissioner Seku Urges Boda Boda Riders to Embrace Responsibility and Patriotism

National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps (NSPC) Commissioner Ms Hellen Seku has implored Boda Boda riders to maintain vigilance and responsibility while conducting their daily operations.

Speaking at Pan African Square in Kampala on Saturday, Commissioner Seku emphasized the importance of driving with care and passion, while avoiding recklessness. She praised the riders’ remarkable transformation since undergoing patriotism training at Oliva Reginald Tambo Leadership School in Kaweweta.

“Your transformation is truly commendable. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for not only empowering you with patriotism but also for reducing your license costs, a gesture that has alleviated financial burdens,” Ms Seku noted.

Police officers together with the Commissioner for National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps-NSPC Ms Hellen Seku (middle) together with NRM leaders for Kampala Central Region at the event on Saturday.

President Museveni’s Private Secretary for Youth Affairs, Ms Seku also commended the riders for embracing unity and patriotism core values, stressing that their profession plays a vital role in Uganda’s economy, providing livelihoods for millions.

“Your dedication to responsible service is crucial. Let us continue to uphold the values of patriotism, integrity, and hard work that define your reformed group,” she emphasized.

Ms Seku thanked President Museveni for initiatives like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga Youth Livelihood Program, which foster economic growth among others.

“As proud citizens, let’s demonstrate our love for Uganda by embracing initiatives that foster economic growth. Seize these opportunities, invest in your future, and contribute to Uganda’s socio-economic development,” said Ms Seku.

State Minister for Youth Affairs Dr Balaam Barugahare cautioned riders against exploiting President Museveni’s image to commit crimes. He urged them to obey laws and utilize roads ethically.

“I encourage you to promote unity among riders, discourage violence, and embrace national spirit and patriotism. Report all criminal activity to authorities,” Minister Barugahare stated.

Frank Mawejje, representing the drivers, expressed gratitude to President Museveni for donating windshields to boda boda riders, which will prevent lung diseases and reduce license fees.

“On behalf of all boda riders, I thank Commissioner Seku for her love and support. I urge fellow riders to utilize windshields effectively, avoid driving without helmets, and refrain from carrying excess passengers,” Mawejje noted.

In a proactive measure to combat boda-boda-related theft, Mawejje announced the deployment of trackers to monitor and apprehend perpetrators.

The Commissioner for National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps-NSPC Ms Hellen Seku on a Motorcycle.

The event featured the distribution of more than 500 windshields to boda boda riders from Kampala and Wakiso, previously requested from President Museveni.

In May 2024, the Patriotism Secretariat which is under the Office of the President took a hundreds of Boda Boda riders for a Patriotism training in Kaweweta.

While on their pass out , the group asked President Museveni to reduce fees for their licences because they were suffering hardships being arrested by the police.

Consequently , Ms Seku who organized the training for the Boda Bodas and brokered the deal with the President was again today dedicated by the head of state to give out the wind shields, just months after the reduction of license fees.

As of now, one -year riding license will cost 100, 000 shillings from 135,000 shillings, while a three-year license is now at 130,000 shillings from 230,000 shillings.

A five-year riding license is now at 250,000 shillings from 350,000 shillings. Boda boda riders who have lost their license and want a duplicate will now be charged 60,000 shillings down from 120,000 Shillings.

The renewal of riding classes of all motorcycles including the tricycles commonly known as Tukutuku are to be charged 60,000 shillings from the 140,000 Shillings, all courtesy of President Museveni.