By Dickens Twinomujuni
Boda boda riders in Kisoro district have protested the move by authorities to impound motorcycles of those found without riding permits.
On Wednesday, security, led by Kisoro OC Traffic Police ASP Michael Kushaba, kicked off an operation to impound motorcycles whose riders lacked a valid riding license.
The operation coincided with the ongoing Uganda Driver Licensing System (UDLS) mobile enrolment at Kisoro District Local Government headquarters.
The mobile enrolment that kicked off on Monday, 13/01/2025 closes on Saturday 18/01/2025, with services such as Processing, renewing, extending Class, and issuing Driving Licences on list.
With three days to go, security authorities mounted the operation with a checkpoint manned near Kisoro Central Police Station. Over 30 motorcycles were impounded in the operation that lasted for less than 2 hours.
The riders thereafter converged at Kisoro CPS to protest the move.
Addressing the riders, Kisoro RDC Hajj Badru said the motorcycles would be released, but gave them an ultimatum of 4 days to have got riding permits.
He asked the boda boda riders to be law-abiding and embrace discipline.
“There are many issues with the boda boda riders. Some of you take drugs, you touch on women’s buttocks… all those come to the RDC’s office. We ask you to behave yourself. For driving permits, there are no negotiations. You have to process them and remove those ill-mannered members from your association,” said Sebyala.
Kisoro District Police Commander SP Ben Niwamanya Kashumbusha, said they were disappointed that only 20 boda boda riders had processed the permits.
“Government has brought these services closer, because we know seeking this service from Kampala and Mbarara is costly. But unfortunately, we are told only about 20 boda bodas have went there.”
He warned that once the UDLS exercise closes this Saturday, an extensive operation would kick off to impound all motorcycles whose riders lack driving licences.
“We have released your motorcycles, but this is the last chance. Once you see the UDLS people packing and leaving Kisoro, that’s when we shall start the real operation. We shall be at every street waiting for those without permits.” Warned SP Niwamanya.
Kisoro district is one of remote districts worth a mobile enrolment, according to Abel Kanyankore, the national Chairperson for Uganda Driving Schools and Operators Association.
“The whole country has only seven points where you can process a driving permit and that becomes costly to access them. Now that we are here, you have to get the necessary training on using the road before you even think of the permit.” He advised.
Boda Bodas protest
But in an interview, Kalangara Robert, the Chairperson of Kisoro United Bodaboda Operators (KUBO) objected the 4-days ultimatum, saying it was not enough to meet the required charges.
“As boda boda riders, we think 4 days is a very short time. We can process the documents once we get money! If they start this operation they are saying, let it be for the whole country. They shouldn’t only target Kisoro just because people have come to make their deals here. Why didn’t they impound vehicles? Why are they targeting boda boda only? Does it mean all drivers have permits?” Wondered Mr Kalangara.
KUBO Secretary, Batamukoraho Baker wondered why the current exercise was organised without notifying the bodaboda like before.
“This is not the first mobile enrolment. For the previous ones, they would organise with us so that we prepare our members. They are targeting boda boda as their only source of revenue. For instance, when traffic police officers stop a vehicle on the road, they are given Shs5000, but when its a boda boda, he has to pay 20,000, 50,000 or more before the motorcycle is released,” he complained.
Batamukoraho charged riders to dodge police check points once the anticipated operation kicks off on Monday.
“By Monday, our people will not have raised the necessary money to process the permits. I am telling our riders, once you spot them somewhere, dodge them and pass somewhere else. We are now looking for school fees and most of our members are poor with no money. Why (target) boda?” said Batamukoraho.
But SP Kushaba said the riders have been warned since last year, and the UDLS exercise was announced in time for everyone to prepare.
New Licence fees for Boda Boda and other motorcycle categories
These fees apply ONLY to classes A, A1, B1, effective Thursday, August 1st 2024.
| DOCUMENT TYPE | COST | 1 YEAR | 3 YEARS | 5 YEARS |
| LEARNER LICENCE | 40,000 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| NEW/ FULL LICENCE | N/A | 100,000 | 130,000 | 250,000 |
| RENEWAL OF LICENCE | N/A | 70,000 | 100,000 | 200,000 |
| DUPLICATE LICENCE | 60,000 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| CLASS EXTENSION **** | 60,000 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
PLEASE NOTE:
- The above fees DO NOT APPLY to Driving Licences with other vehicle categories
- Standard (old) fees will apply for Extensions from A, A1, B1 to other vehicle categories.
Driving Licence Rates
| DOCUMENT TYPE | FEES(UGX) | 1 YEAR(UGX) | 3 YEARS(UGX) | 5 YEARS(UGX) |
| LEANERS / PROVISIONAL LICENCE (VALID FOR 3 MONTHS) | 60,000 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| NEW / FULL DRIVING LICENCE | N/A | 135,000 | 230,000 | 330,000 |
| DRIVING LICENCE RENEWAL | N/A | 130,000 | 210,000 | 310,000 |
| DUPLICATE DRIVING LICENCE | 121,000 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| CLASS EXTENSION (EACH CLASS) | UGX 121,000 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| FOREIGN EXCHANGE | N/A | 135,000 | 230,000 | 330,000 |
| TEST FEE | 25,000 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
How to pay for a Licence
1. Generate a Payment Registration Number (PRN)
2. Pay in the bank, Mobile Money or Pay Way
3. Present your proof of payment to UDLS
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