As Uganda continues to witness a growing number of women entering the boda boda business, the ‘Twezimbe Women Boda Boda’ Association based in Wakaliga currently has over 150 female members.
This women-led boda association highlights how to break barriers in the traditionally male-dominated industry while working tirelessly to provide for their families and thriving in the transport business across Uganda.
In celebration of Mother’s Day, the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS) has extended support to women boda boda riders through the donation of reflector jackets aimed at promoting road safety, visibility, and empowerment for women in the transport.
Dathive Mukeshimana, the Chairperson of ‘Twezimbe Women Boda Boda’, applauded such initiative of business for empowering female riders: “It’s challenging to be a mother and a boda boda rider due to various factors that are related to societal stereotypes and the high-risk nature of the job itself, where the fatalities are high due to reckless driving on the road. The jackets are expected to improve our visibility, especially during night operations, assuring that we come back home to our kids.”
She further reiterated that business assistance of this nature, in this male-dominated space, gives them a shoulder to lean on and encourages them to push on and fend for their families.
Speaking during the event, Steven Turyarugayo, Public Relations Consultant – ITMS noted that the donation is part of the company’s broader commitment to road safety awareness and support for vulnerable and hardworking groups within Uganda’s transport sector. “Mother’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the strength, sacrifice, and contribution of women in society. These women are not only mothers and caregivers but also entrepreneurs who deserve recognition and support,” she noted.
The event also served as a platform to encourage more women to participate confidently in economic activities within the transport sector and to promote responsible road use among all motorists.
Boda riders dominate urban transport, especially in Kampala, where they provide employment for large numbers of young people but also account for a significant share of traffic injuries and deaths. Given this wide network, ITMS, through its CSR programme, found it prudent to partner with these women and reaffirmed its commitment to promote inclusion, safety, and empowerment within the transport industry of Uganda.
Mother’s Day charity initiative aligns with ITMS ‘Safe Kids, Safe Future’ campaign, which seeks to promote road safety awareness with a focus on protecting children and rising road discipline among schools’ across Uganda.
