Koboko Municipal Mayor Welcomes Launch of United Boda Boda Riders' Cooperative Union as a Key Milestone in Revenue Mobilization and Safety Enhancement

Dr. Sanya Wilson, the Mayor of Koboko Municipal Council and President of the Urban Authorities Association of Uganda (UAAU), has lauded the launch of the United Boda Boda Riders' Cooperative Union, describing it as a transformative initiative in local revenue mobilization and urban safety enhancement. Speaking during the event, Dr. Sanya highlighted the significance of the cooperative union in fostering inclusivity, accountability, and transparency in local governance, emphasizing that it embodies the principle of "leaving no one behind."

An Inclusive Approach to Local Revenue Mobilization

Dr. Sanya underscored the cooperative union's participatory nature, which brings together stakeholders from the vibrant Boda Boda industry. He noted that the initiative is sustainable because it ensures that everyone involved in the industry has a voice and a stake in its operations. "This inclusive approach ensures that everybody benefits, fostering accountability and transparency in how the industry is managed," he stated.

The Mayor emphasized the importance of the Boda Boda sector in Koboko Municipality, noting its omnipresence in the city. He revealed that creating a comprehensive database of Boda Boda operators and their statistics would streamline revenue collection and improve service delivery. "In Koboko, Boda Bodas are everywhere, and having their database and statistics is a simple yet effective way to manage the industry," he remarked.

Dr. Sanya highlighted the potential of the Boda Boda Riders' Cooperative Union to contribute to enhanced safety and security within Koboko Municipality and beyond. He pointed out that the Boda Boda industry has, in some instances, been exploited by criminal elements, making it crucial to establish systems that foster accountability.

"With a well-organized database, we can fast-track and identify wrong elements who might be using the Boda Boda industry for unlawful activities," Dr. Sanya explained. He noted that the cooperative union would serve as a hub for addressing criminal activities and promoting a safer environment in Koboko.

The Mayor further elaborated on the broader impact of the initiative, stating that the cooperative union would complement the efforts of the municipal administration in ensuring law and order. "By leveraging this industry, we can make Koboko safe and contribute to the safety of Uganda at large," he added.

Dr. Sanya also highlighted the economic benefits of the cooperative union, which aligns with the government's vision of promoting organized and sustainable urban growth. By streamlining the operations of the Boda Boda industry, the cooperative union is expected to boost local revenue collection, which will be reinvested in critical municipal projects such as infrastructure development, education, and healthcare.

The initiative also empowers Boda Boda operators by providing them with a platform to voice their concerns, access financial services, and participate in decision-making processes. This empowerment is expected to improve their livelihoods and enhance their contribution to the local economy.

The launch of the United Boda Boda Riders' Cooperative Union marks a significant milestone in Koboko Municipality's journey towards inclusive governance, sustainable revenue mobilization, and enhanced safety. Dr. Sanya Wilson's visionary leadership and commitment to leaving no one behind have positioned Koboko as a model for other municipalities in Uganda.

With the cooperative union in place, Koboko Municipality is set to witness a transformation in how the Boda Boda industry is managed, ensuring that it becomes a driver of economic growth, a pillar of safety, and a beacon of inclusivity.