Thursday 30 May 2013

BETTER HANDLING OF FINANCES IN GOVERNMENT UNIVERSITIES

There has been excitement since 1992 when the private sponsorship scheme became a reality at Makerere University.  Professors and lecturers have had to manage the dual role of lecturing and financial management which development has brought a lot of conflict, more so that many poor income earning units have been at a disadvantage.  Time is now to rectify this situation.  the Government of Uganda should get the finance departments in these Universities perform as would be a commercial bank.  These should be capable of balancing each days work and also handle approved claims for fiances from the various University units.  

The finance Unit could be manned by a deputy vice chancellor fiance.  In fact a fully fledged finance unit should be better able to manage student finance problems, even issue loans and also allow students to complete studies when certain conditions are met and as such reduce on inconveniences of students who would otherwise complete studies if there were able people to better manage the finances of these Universities.  It is absurd that some complaint are raised that some University monies are banked on accounts which are not official.  This should allow lecturers to deal with teaching and related roles.

William kituuka Kiwanuka 

KATIKKIRO SHOULD ENHANCE PARTICIPATORY INVOLVEMENT OF BAGANDA BEFORE MAKING SOME DECISIONS


As Katikkiro Mayiga takes office, there are a lot of challenges which he is aware of given the over 20 years he has been involved with the kingdom affairs.  What will help him in moving things is wide consultations before making changes or coming up with a new way of doing things.  he is fortunate that CBS radio is in place with good partnership which population can easily give in contributions.  The modern way is not to assume that people don't know what they want, hence the reason why consultations and ideas are called for.

One instance is the announcement that baked cakes are to be phased out on functions and instead cattle meat shall be the substitute.  I wish to inform the owekitiibwa that this is tricky.  How can he be sure that cattle meat can be cooked or baked and people don't eat this meat when half cooked?  Secondly, he ought to be aware that this red meat is being discouraged as many of our people are having health problems due to eating a lot of it.  While cakes have their health problems due to a lot of sugar, this is the reason that the Katikkiro should make wide consultations before coming up with changes in the way things are done.  I am of the opinion that instead people who understand food values well could come up with a baked combination to substitute the unhealthy cakes with a better balanced cake that households can copy and make domestically for better health.

William Kituuka Kiwanuka   

Katikkiro issues new coronation fete rules

By AL-MAHDI SSENKABIRWA

Posted  Friday, May 31  2013 at  01:00
In Summary
Among other regulations is allowing one religious leader to lead prayers on behalf of others



KAMPALA
The new Buganda Kingdom Premier (Katikkiro), Mr Peter Charles Mayiga, has issued new guidelines for the coronation celebrations and all kingdom’s future functions.
Buganda is set to mark Kabaka Ronald Mutebi’s 20th coronation anniversary on July 31. Mr Mayiga announced the new regulations while inaugurating the coronation organising committee at Bulange, Mengo.

The committee is headed by the new speaker of the kingdom Lukiiko (parliament), Mr Nelson Kawalya and deputised by Mr Denis Walusimbi Ssengendo, the kingdom’s information minister.

“The new guidelines must be adhered to if we are to have organised functions. We do not want to mix up things and wasting time. Due to lack of coordination we have been making the Kabaka sit for hours when there is nothing serious going on,” Mr Mayiga said.


Regulations
He said starting with the coronation anniversary; all those intending to speak at kingdom functions must submit their speeches to the organising committee three weeks before the event. “As long as I am still Katikkiro, I will not allow those who are not on the programme to say anything.
The Master of Ceremony is supposed to invite only those on the programme and must speak within the stipulated time,” Mr Mayiga added. “This must also be followed at all functions we intend to have in future.”

The Katikkiro ordered for one special account for all functions which is to be managed by the Kingdom treasurer, Ms Eva Nagawa, unlike before where different functions had different accounts by different committees. He also launched a new logo for the 2013 coronation anniversary which is to be used on budges, T-shirts and other items during the anniversary celebrations.
Kabaka Mutebi was enthroned as the 36th king on July 31, 1993, three decades after monarchies were abolished by Obote I regime.

assenkabirwa@ug.nationmedia.com

Katikkiro Mayiga gets instruments of power

Publish Date: May 29, 2013

Katikkiro Mayiga gets instruments of power
Katikkiro Mayiga waves to the people. PHOTO/Eddie Ssejjoba
newvision


By Moses Mulondo & Jeff Lule 

MENGO, Kampala - Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II on Wednesday gave the new Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga the royal mace (Ddamula) as a symbol of authority.

Amidst ululations from hundreds of his subjects who turned at Mengo, the Kabaka arrived at the palace at about 11am local time.

He first visited the fire place outside the main gate of the palace. Mayiga also arrived shortly and waited in a tent next to the entrance.


Katikkiro Mayiga holds the mace, a symbol of authority. PHOTO/Eddie Ssejjoba

Minutes later, the Kabaka returned at the main gate with the Ddamula and called, “Charles Peter Mayiga.”

The new Katikkiro immediately rushed towards the Kabaka and picked the Ddamula, pledging his allegiance to the Kabaka and promising to execute the responsibilities bestowed upon him.

Dressed in a blue garb with silver strips, Mayiga tightly held the mace and quickly walked away amidst tight security provided by muscular body guards from his Mutima clan to ensure that no-one grabs it from him, as is ritual, until he successfully entered Butikkiro house which is a few meters across the road.

Kabaka Mutebi II flanked by Nabagereka and other kingdom officials at the function. PHOTO/Eddie Ssejjoba


At this stage, there was a stampede as people struggled to capture a glimpse of what was transpiring.  Some climbed trees to secure an uninterrupted view. 

The historic developments were unfolding as high ranking dignitaries including Vice-President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi, former vice president Prof. Gilbert Balibaseka Bukenya, Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, former Katikkiros Dan Muliika, Joash Mayanja Nkangi, Mengo ministers, several MPs and others were followed the events keenly.

After successfully entering Butikkiro, Mayiga gave a meal to his clan-mates, as is norm, thanking them for their support towards him before later coming out to speak to the gathering.

The new Katikkiro receives the mace from a grinning Kabaka Mutebi. PHOTO/Eddie Ssejjoba

“I have won the battle. I have tightly held Ddamula. It is a noble function in which the Kabaka has officially given me authority to lead Buganda on his behalf.
"I therefore ask you to always listen to and obey what I will be telling you to do,” he said amid applause as some shouted, “You are the Katikkiro we have always wanted.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO LOOK FOR IN A NURSERY AND DAYCARE CENTRE


1.       The General School environment should be conducive to learning
2.       The teachers ought to be the right type with qualifications;
3.       The hygiene should be the right one;
4.       There should be good Teaching Aids;
5.       The children should have what to play with;
6.       The school objectives should be well stipulated;
7.       Children ought to get clean food/eats and at the right time;
8.       Safety of the children is very important;
9.       There should be a First Aid box which is well equipped;
10.   The toilet facility (ties) should be clean and well drained;
11.   A school gate is very important to keep children within;
12.   Gardening facility availability;
13.   Some parents need to be helped with transporting children;
14.   The contacts of parents should be readily available;
15.   The proper cleaning of the floor/classrooms;
16.   Teachers must be at hand to supervise;
17.   Utensils must be kept in a clean place;
18.   Work books are instrumental.
The above facilities can be found at Little Wonders Montessori Daycare and Nursery School Nyanama as per the brochure and other photos below:






 

ALEX MUKULU SINGING ABOUT POVERTY AT NAMUTAMBA


Alex Mukulu Omusango gwa Bwavu Abe Namutamba Batwavuwaziza


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzq0PXBMFH4

UGANDA PARLIAMENT PASSES SHS 555BN BUDGET WITHOUT QUORUM!



Though the article below states that Parliament failed to pass the supplementary budget of over shs 555bn, an MP who featured on Kaboozi FM 87.9 Radio Talk Show on Friday, 24th May 2013 between 8.00 – 9.00 pm told the listeners that though there was no quorum, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament passed the Supplementary budget.  

To many of us, the NRM Government is a big disappointment.  There are so many decisions made and one wonders whether the country has professionals or it is just individuals promoting own interests.  One big blunder of this year is the way the Pioneer Buses were put on halt.  I have been a big advocate of Pioneer Buses irrespective of the administrative problems they may have had prior to the threat to auction them over tax.  It is not clear whether these buses are off the roads because of a serious competitor or what, however, with all due respect to whoever is keeping the buses off the road, it is sad, and such a one is not patriotic.  I once again say, if some of our leaders were serious, which many are not, it would be very easy to see Pioneer buses on road so that the public gets cheaper and convenient means of travel, the tax payer risks paying for URA’s sins over Pioneer Buses when the buses are not delivering to the suffering Ugandans!  Getting two or so people to help monitor revenue realized to see that buses can keep operating to recover borrowed monies; have people transported cheaply and employment are big enough objectives that would be realized if we had responsible decision makers.  I cannot sing praises to whoever is behind the non-operation of Pioneer buses, this one pretends to have Uganda at heart, but is simply deceiving himself or herself.  
  
The NRM Government has so many blunders that you wonder what logic it is that the country has spent billions educating people who are simply a liability.  Whoever has convinced Government to keep The monitor and sister press closed is another disaster to a country that is limping and surrounded by mafia and corrupt people who have exploited it to the marrow.  Many times I get sad to imagine that I am a Ugandan and the type who went to school before we knew of examination cheating, and now seeing the country get to ruins!

Surely, if NRM leaders are sincere and have priorities right, what sense does it make continued sponsoring b Government of students where 90% cannot get employment in Uganda?  When the Government runs departments where it is only arrears accumulating!  I cry for Uganda.  It is true there are children from needy families who need to be helped but over 90% of the Government sponsored don’t deserve it.  Many of these are children of parents who can afford.  Many of our children who are currently privately sponsored are of poor people who keep selling land and many have had to go out of the country because Uganda is a collapsed state, it does not reward professionals and man have left just to afford paying fees and keeping families decent as others just loot whatever they can get their hands on.

Who benefits from the Supplementary Budgets most?
It is statehouse which is not bothered as revenue generating areas keep non operational.  Uganda is a sad story.

Just before Easter, while on KFM 7.00 – 8.00 pm Talk Show, Hon. Kyanjo told us how CAO’s return unused monies to the centre where the money does not go back to the Consolidated Fund, but simply stolen, et these have to account for the money!  Uganda is that sad a story!
There is need for prayers for sanity, otherwise it is sad the leadership of Uganda.

William Kituuka Kiwanuka 
 

Parliament Fails to Pass Supplementary Budget, as Opposition Mps Walk Out

By Collins Hinamund
Parliament has failed to pass the supplementary budget of 555.7 billion shillings after opposition members of Parliament walked out.
With a composition of 386 members only 118 members were present following a roll call process instead of the required 125 MPs to form quorum.
Some MP’s from both the ruling NRM and the Opposition had expressed disappointment that 138 billion shs was meant for State House compared to the 5.3 billion needed in health and 13 billion for agriculture.
After the debate Wafula Ogutu, MP Bukholi, noted that the budget cannot be passed due to lack of quorum and in a few minutes walked out leaving his bag behind.
This annoyed Deputy Speaker Jacob Oulanyah whose sentiments were shared by the Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi who wondered how many members would be present if they were discussing other topics.
Abdu Katuntu, MP Bugweri County, expressed his discomfort with the NRM side for referring to the opposition side yet NRM alone would have formed a quorum would they have all attended the sitting.
Frank Tumwebaze, the Minister for Presidency, contested saying it’s not a matter of party affiliation but integrity of MPs from both sides to remember that they are serving Ugandans.
Before the standoff it was noted that State House alone was to take 138 billion out of 555.7 billion shillings in the supplementary budget.
Presenting the report, Achia Remigio MP Nakapiripirit district provided a recurrent budget of 291.824 billion and development expenditure of 215.465 billion shillings in the financial year 2012/2013.
The deputy budget committee chairperson suggested sources for the supplementary expenditure such as activities in the budget and re-allocations amounting to 313.68 billion. Others are treasury Bonds issued by the Central Bank worth 200 billion and Issuance of treasury bills, Non tax Revenue and Non resource Taxes amounting to 42.10 billion shs.
The Ministry of Finance however informed the budget committee that out of the total supplementary budget, 275.44 billion had already been spent by government prior to submission to Parliament. The committee is thus seeking for approval of 280.24 billion shs.
However, Lulume Bayega, the Buikwe county MP, presented a minority report rejecting the supplementary budget on grounds that it violates the provision of the budget act.
Bayega notes that known emergencies approved by government were not considered in the supplementary. These include emergency relief of Mt. Elgon and Kasese flood victims in addition to the supplementary request of 24 billion for emergency in 2012 August for the mudslide and flood victims which was ignored.
MP’s queried State House programmes such as the outreach community programme and welfare activities amounting to 49.826 billion shillings for 20 community functions.
Another outreach project meant to mobilise masses towards poverty reduction, peace and development worth 13.748 billion to host 25 district delegations.
Bayega recommended that government tables a new supplementary budget that captures all emergency and relief problems, including funds for Kitagata, Kawolo, Rubare and Jinja referral hospitals. They also demand that government recovers the 38 billion shillings refunded to donors due to misappropriation of funds in the office of the Prime Minister.
Evelyn Anite, Youth MP, said the supplementary should not be passed if money lost in the office of the prime minister is not recovered. Musasizi Henry, MP Rubanda County, noted that it is time to get rid of the supplementary budget through amendment of the law and setting up a contingency fund.
Kajara Aston, state minister for investment, stated that government has taken action and in the proposed amendment of the Public Finance Bill they are proposing to address the matter in the contingency fund.

Government Admission List 2013/2014 Academic Year for All Public Universities
Posted on May 30, 2013
By Maureen Nakigozi
The Office of the Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released the Official admission lists for Government sponsored students for the Academic Year 2013/2014. The Office has also released admission lists for other Public Universities i.e. Makerere University Business School (MUBS), Kyambogo University, Busitema University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) and Gulu University.
BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MAK)
NAKIRUNDA Zainabu
NANSUBUGA Geraldine Grace
NIIMUSIIMA Sylvia
NASETA Anita Frankaline
NANTALE Margaret
ANDERA Lein Malvine
MADRAA Fiona Comfort
NABAWEESI Georgia
AMULEN Mary Elizabeth
NAKUYA Sharon
LULE Ayubu
OGANGI Aron
SSEKASAMBA Edward
RUBANGA Charles Keown
BUKENYA Hussein
AYEBARE John Vianny
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE – KYAMBOGO UNIVERSITY
NAZZIWA Joan
KASOBA Muhindo Flavia
ATYANG Agnes
KASAGGA Shamirah
BIKAAKU Marvin
SSEMANDA Dan
NKWATSIBWE Zidon
LUBEGA Julius
NABUKENYA Cissy
MULINDWA Anorld
MURUNGI Dorothy
NAKIBUUKA Lukia
ANIKU Frank
NANFUMA Haula
BACHELOR OF VOCATIONAL STUDIES IN AGRICULTURE WITH EDUCATION – KYAMBOGO UNIVERSITY
OYANGO Richard
MUWANIKA Godfrey
AINOMUGISHA Lodrick
OGUWA Derrick
OKWARE Nicholas
KISAWUZI Ivan
TINYEFUZA Edgar
BUNKEDDEKO Muzamiru
AHAABWE Stuart
OWINY Raphael
OKWANGA David Omara
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING – MAKERERE UNIVERSITY
KAKAI Sharon
KAYANJA Alex
MAGOMU Ivan Williamson
NANGAKA Daniel
AKATUKUNDA Derick
AGABA Chrispus
LUSUKU Mudathiru
SITTAMUKYOTO Julius
WEIZIRE Gilbert
KANYESIGYE Andrew
MASERUKA Ronald Mugabi
ASERU Gloria
AKAO Racheal
NINSIIMA Mark
BACHELOR OF AGRIBUSINESS MANAGEMENT – MAKERERE UNIVERSITY
ATEGEKA Stewar
SSENKUBUGE Hillary
LUBOOBI Frank
MUBIRU Robert
NAMAYANJA Susan
NAGAWA Vivian
SSEKAWABE Julius
NABUKWASI S Lydia
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN AGRICULTURE- MAKERERE UNIVERSITY
AINEBYONA Nooha
OBURA Morish
KATO Outhman Sengendo
ABURI Godfrey James
ORIONGA Moses
APOLOT Grace
KWEBIIHA Anna
EYOTARU Fiona
MUSINGUZI Augustine
LATIF Ashiraf
MUSISI Musa Mukalazi
KABANDA Bernard
ODONGO Innocent
KATO John Paul Kiguli
NAMULEMA Shamiim
NABATANZI Fatuma
AKENDA Joshua
MUNIALO Tadeo
KAYEMBA Fred
ADONG Babra Brigade
KIBUKUNA Emily
MULEME Sula
SSEBAGGALA Harold
TUMWESIGE Bagonza Richard
SSENTONGO Daudi
MAGEZI Businge Walter
MUGERWA Henry
TUMUHIMBISE Enock
NIMUSIIMA Simon
MUZINGA Jamilu
NKINZI Jackline
OWINY Emmanuel
KAMYA Ambrose
BACHELOR OF ART AND INDUSTRIAL DESIGN – KYAMBOGO UNIVERSITY
NAMUSOBYA Sauyah
RUSOKE Ezekiel
BIRIBAWA Patience Rose
TUKAMUHEBWA Binterson
AMONG Loy
MBEDHA Elizabeth
KUSINGURA Aggrey
MUWAGA Sekweyama Abby
BACHELOR OF AGRICULTURAL MECHANIZATIONAL & IRRIGATION ENGINEERING – BUSITEMA UNIVERSITY
KATONGOLE Benedict
LUMU Stuart
NUWAMANYA Goden
MAGANDA Azizi
ONEN Patrick
ZIRETE Daniel
AINEBYONA Paul
MBALIBULHA Ezira
NASSOZI Shamilah
KYOSABA Immaculate
MWESIGWA Irene
MUHINDO Loida
BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING IN AUTOMATIVE POWER ENGINEERING – KYAMBOGO UNIVERSITY
KATUMBA Keneth
KAKWEZI Allan
KIGONGO Solomon Katwere
RUKUNDO Yosamu Jonathan
MWASE Moses
NATUKWATSA Brighton
NSOBYA George
ZZIWA Gaster Robert
BAHAT Fahad
WAIBI Jonathan
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN AAGRO-PROCESSING ENGINEERING – BUSITEMA UNIVERSITY
KIRUNDA Emmanuel
KANAKULYA Alex
TUGUME Dan
WAFULA Robert
MUGUMYA Crispus
NANGUMBA Martin
KOKUSHUBIRA Brenda Prisca
PATIENCE Doreen
The detailed list is at:


KABAKA EMPHASIZES HARD WORK BY BAGANDA


Tuesday 28 May 2013

THE SORRY STATE OF ENTEBBE GRADE B MORTUARY IS A CAUSE OF CONCERN

I heard Lawyer Walusimbi talk about the sorry state of the mortuary at Entebbe Grade B Hospital.  I think the NRM Government in its 2013/2014 budget should get a list of shameful things that need urgent attention.  Given the financial situation, we expect many of these places to have power cut, water cut, all of which are a great shame.  Surely, how do we fail to get people who can fix the mortuary cooling system, yet some people tell us that the country is growing.  I feel ashamed.

William kituuka Kiwanuka

HOW CAN UGANDA OVERCOME SHORTAGE OF BLOOD?

It is the practice that blood should be donated free.  However, the supply of blood is  so little compared to the demand.  I wish to propose that an inducement inform of transport refund of say shs 5,000 be thought of.  Blood will definitely come.  Much as blood is free, most patients or their relative are ready to pay at least shs 10,000 for blood.

William Kituuka Kiwanuka

A LOT OF LESSONS FROM THE SEVENTHDAY ADVENTIST YOUTH OF KAJJANSI CHURCH


The husband of the lady in the picture died a few months ago.  The youth of her Church - SDA Kajjansi were sympathetic.  They resolved to help her construct another house given the state of the house in the picture.  After collecting money with the support of the elders from the same Church, the youth bought the required materials and delivered them.  

It was inspirational seeing the youth put together their knowledge and group effort and below is the state of the house they have put up.  It is not fiction, but a fact.

As a person interested in rural development, I was much impressed by the work of the youth.  They combined the talents/skills they have and the out come is very encouraging.  Shortly, the lady will be able to move from a house bound to fall any time.

Our leaders have examples to emulate.  There is redundant man power that could do miracles if well mobilized.  What I saw as the youth worked to get the house where it is was the best evidence.  A lot can be done to see our circumstances better, it is leadership which is the problem in most cases.

William Kituuka Kiwanuka
  

WHY UGANDANS WILL CONTINUE BEING MIS-TREATED IN SOUTH SUDAN


The photo above is of a complex by a Ugandan business man who benefited from taking clay products to South Sudan.  This complex found at Lweza village near Kajjansi trading centre is evidence that business in Southern Sudan can be profitable, and to the people of South Sudan, this creates enmity with the would be brothers from Uganda.

William Kituuka Kiwanuka  

MUSEVENI ‘BEERA MU CLASS’









Many times I sit down and wonder how President Museveni has been able to be in the chair for over 2 decades.  It is true that for some of the strategies, he has been able to take on advice, unfortunately, in some instances he insists on his guns, and he ends up proven wrong as was the case of the creation of districts where he used the law to cover his benefit in that enterprise.

I wish to advise President Museveni to be in class (beera mu class), move with times.  It surprises to see the President keep on giving new boda boda motor cycles to youth for poverty alleviation.  For each motor cycle Museveni donates, the country may spend so many millions a situation he would know now.  If he were to listen to the Doctors at Mulago, may be, Kampala would be free of boda boda’s.  As of now, he can commission a study as regards the effect to the economy of these cycles.  The number of people who have died due to cycles is great, meaning that many are left orphaned, many have been maimed, just to mention a few.

Yet, if you take the recent case, where it was announced that 100 motor cycles were donated to youth groups, these cycles may have cost about shs 300,000,000.  If the President had been well advised, Uganda would benefit better if that money had been loaned to groups where each would get shs 150,000 or 200,000.  There would be a minimal of 1,500 beneficiaries!
It is against that background that I advise President Museveni ‘okubeera mu class’.

William Kituuka Kiwanuka

Boda boda are Death traps
The absence of operating laws has turned the boda boda industry into a hub for unemployed youths who rebel against the Police. The Police estimate that of the 3,000 lives lost in road accidents annually, boda bodas account for quarter the number.  For example, 512 people died from boda boda-related accidents while 2,642 escaped with serious injuries in 2010, rising to 3,279 in 2011 and 570 deaths.  “Boda bodas are the most unorganized, unsafe and unreliable transport means,” notes Kasiima.  “Unlike commuter taxis, they have no gazzetted parking spaces or stages. They are just a problem to the Police and the general public.” Such is the magnitude of the problem, that a ward at Mulago hospital has been dedicated to handling boda boda-related accidents.

Boda-Boda: Uganda's silent killer
People riding boda-bodas in Kampala.

RFI/Gloria Nakiyimba

Boda-boda motorcycles are the fastest mode of transportation in Uganda. They are not only swift, but also reliable in times of emergencies - when vehicles get stuck in a jam or can't access certain areas, these motorcycles slither their way through with ease. However, they are also a leading cause of road accidents. So are boda-boda worth the risk?

Despite their ease at snaking through difficult areas in Uganda, boda-boda use has become the leading cause of death and injuries on most roads. It has led the national referral hospital to set up a special ward to handle victims of motorbike-related accidents.
Most boda-boda accidents stem from narrow roads getting congested with traffic. It is common in Uganda to see buses, taxis, trailers, lorries, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians competing for roads' thin spaces.
  • Death traps
Doctor Robert Wongoda, a general surgeon and clinical head in the accident and emergency unit at the Mulago National Referral Hospital, says motorbikes are the leading cause of injuries on the roads and have now surpassed motor vehicle accidents.

Head and limb injuries are among the most common. “Head injuries are the commonest cause of death among motorbike riders and passengers,” he observes.

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. Dr. Wangoda says assault injuries have also contributed to the death of many riders.

“These injuries are preventable and would be less severe if riders wore crush helmets,” Dr. Wangoda says.
A study conducted by the Injury Control Center Uganda (ICCU) at the national referral hospital shows a decline in the use of crush helmets. In 2011, 30.5 per cent of riders used helmets, while 0.8 per cent of helmet use was recorded among passengers.
A previous study done by the ICCU and the World Health Organization in 2006 registered 42.6 per cent helmet use by riders and 0.26 per cent among passengers.

According to Dr. Wangoda, two patients die on average every week at Mulago hospital as a result of boda-boda accidents. Between 10 and 20 victims of boda-boda accidents are received at Mulago hospital on a daily basis and 20 per cent of the victims are left disabled.

The 2011 annual traffic report showed that a total of 1,762 serious accidents involving motorbikes occurred in the capital city during that year. Lawrence Niwabiine, the traffic commander of the Kampala Metropolitan Police, noted that 155 passengers perished in motorcycle-related accidents.

“It is very rare to hear that a taxi in Kampala city has overturned and killed passengers," he told RFI. "The deaths we register in Kampala are related to boda-boda cycling and their behavior.”

Pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users in Kampala, followed by commercial motorbike riders.
“The boda-boda is the most unsafe means of transport in Kampala, and I would appeal to most road users to desist from using them in the city, especially at night,” Niwabiine warns.
“Criminals hide in the boda-boda industry and commit violent crimes in our society," said Niwabiine. "And this is because the industry is not streamlined.”
He says around 90 per cent of riders are incompetent. “These riders did not get any formal training, and they do not comprehend road safety tips whatsoever,” he explains.
Niwabiine added that Uganda must develop a process to register all riders and their motorcycles, in order for law enforcement officials to follow them regularly.
  • Employment
With the high rate of unemployment, this fast-growing means of transport employs a bulk of youth in Uganda.
About 80 per cent of young people between 20 to 30 years old are earning a living by picking up and dropping off passengers.
However, it is still the most unsafe mode of transportation.
  • Traffic offenders
Urban areas have the highest concentration of commercial motorcycles, and the largest number of injuries reported. Riders often flout traffic laws, running traffic lights at city road junctions and driving on the wrong side.
Their driving is characteristically reckless, as they squeeze their way in between vehicles during traffic jams, putting the lives of their passengers at risk.
  • Vulnerability
Passengers are more often injured than riders, and women are more prone to motorbike accidents than men. More females are injured as boda-boda passengers than in road traffic accidents.
“Ladies sit on the boda-boda in the wrong way; these legs hanging on the side," says Marble Tomusange, the executive director of the Injury Control Center Uganda. "The moment there is any impact on the boda-boda, you fall off. And if you are in between cars, they’ll crush your legs. That’s why many passengers get fractures.”
Some parents hire boda-boda riders to pick up and drop off their children at school in the morning, putting the lives of children at risk.
“It is dangerous to put a child on a boda-boda and it’s the worst abuse of his or her rights,” says Tomusange.
  • Health effects
Health experts warn that boda-boda riders may suffer eyesight problems because of the wind and dust that blows directly into the eyes. Many ride without helmets or glasses, and have seen a deterioration in their eyesight.
Experts also warn that long amounts of time spent on motorbikes exposes a rider’s reproductive organs to danger.
“When these guys sit on the boda-boda, they affect their reproductive organs," Tomusange noted. "They sit on those things for a very long time in the same position, in the heat, in the cold, in all different conditions, and they are affecting their families.”
Riders also risk developing respiratory diseases because they do not wear jackets most the time.
While boda-boda motorcycles may be a fast and efficient mode of transportation for Uganda's most hard to reach areas, health and safety experts continue to warn of the dangers for riders and passengers.
With more regulations in place, the boda-boda could thrive. But as things stand now, they are still risky business.