Influence of motorcycle (Boda boda) rider’s practices on road safety in Kampala, Uganda

The objective of this study was to establish the influence of motorcycle riders’ (Locally referred to as “Boda Boda”) practices on road safety in Kampala, Uganda. Specifically the study determined the level of compliance of these riders to safety practices and also establishes both the individual and institutional factors influencing road safety practices among them. The road safety practices examined were two: Having valid Riding Licenses and Wearing Head Protection gear (Helmets) whenever riding. The study adopted a descriptive and correlational approach collecting both qualitative and quantitative data. The questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from a random sample 384 riders while a key informant guide was used to collect qualitative data from a 4 key informants. The results show that the level of compliance with the road safety practices measures in terms of having a valid riding license and wearing helmets whenever riding among these riders was only 27.2%. It was further established that age, receipt of training and attitude towards road safety measures were the personal factors that independently influenced compliance with road safety practices among these riders in Kampala. The results also established that belonging to a Boda Boda Association was the only institutional factor that independently influenced compliance with road safety practices among these riders. The qualitative results fully supported the quantitative findings. The study concluded that urgent efforts were needed to change the behavior of these riders in as far as compliance with the road safety measures was concerned. From the above conclusion, the researchers recommended among others that policy makers in the transport sector should develop a comprehensive policy that envisages training of those intending to join Boda Boda Riding business as well as being members of recognized and registered Boda Boda Associations if compliance with the road safety practices were to be promoted. They further recommended that the road traffic police in consultation with the different Boda Boda Associations should design and continuously improve engagement with these riders on the need to embrace and continuously apply best road safety practices.