The Ministry of Works and Transport has mandated that all motorcycles sold must include two standard helmets, one for the rider and another for the passenger.
This measure, agreed upon during a consultative meeting led by the minister of Works and Transport Gen. Katumba Wamala, Kampala Minister Kabuye Kyofa togabye along side motorcycle assembly companies, dealers, and financiers, aims to ensure no motorcycle leaves the assembly line without the required safety gear.
It was agreed that the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) establishes strict regulations for helmet standardization, which must be adhered to before motorcycles can be registered. This is meant to reduce road fatalities and improve safety for boda-boda users, a demographic often affected by road accidents.
To further streamline the industry, boda-boda riders in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area will now be required to wear uniform reflector jackets. These jackets will carry essential identification details, including a photograph, name, and contact information of the rider, alongside a QR code. Additionally, the jackets will be color-coded based on the rider’s operating division, with examples such as:
Pink colored helmets will be used by Kampala Central boda boda riders, dark blue for Makindye operators and Forest Greenfor riders operating within Nakawa areas among others.
It was also agreed that information on the jackets will also be synchronized with the motorcycle’s registered number plate, creating a traceable link between the rider and the vehicle.
Minister Katumba stated that this initiative is part of broader reforms aimed at restoring order in Uganda’s boda-boda industry and reducing chaos on the roads.
He tasked the public to adhere to regulations and encourage accountability among riders and provide greater security to passengers.
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