Understanding the boda-boda business, issues and drivers. Case study: Makindye division of Kampala district

Abstract

The general objective was to understand the boda-boda business including issues associated with it and the drivers in Makindye division basing on the following spefic objectives; to find out what drives people into Boda-boda business; to investigate the benefits riders get out of this business, and to find out the challenges Boda-boda riders face in running this business. A case study research design was used in order to obtain sufficient data because by the time of the study boda boda business was already wide spread with evidence of worldwide existence. Quantitative approach was used to collect, interpret and analyse data so as to present data in figures & percentages and to enable respondents explain their experience of the subject matter to the researcher. The sample size was composed of 30 people who were selected using cluster sampling method for the boda-boda riders. Frequency tables and graphs were drawn using Statistical Packages for Social Scientist (SPSS). In these frequency tables, an graphs analysis was done with a corresponding percentage. Findings revealed that boda-bodas are a necessity as they currently fill a gap in public transport and fulfill an abundance of other roles within their communities, while their role in urban transport may become more peripheral over time with the eventual introduction of mass transit systems, the riders will undoubtedly continue to be essential in more remote communities and their services will still be used. Boda riders find themselves earning enough to pay for their dependents’ needs, rent, food, and school fees. Some are even able to save part of their income. The riders themselves are quite young on average and have received only a basic education. Fortunately, many of these same riders report that they are investing in the schooling of their children so that they can become better educated.