Rukungiri – Country Radio, a popular local-based radio station in Rukungiri District, has launched a new community initiative aimed at celebrating, empowering, and promoting the safety of boda boda riders across the district.
The initiative, known as the Boda Boda Festival, was launched by the station as part of its commitment to supporting local communities and creating platforms where ordinary people can participate in activities that promote social and economic development.
Speaking during the launch, Ms Jackie Tumuhairwe AKA “Aunt Jackie” the station Manager emphasized the need for boda boda riders to work together and maintain professionalism while serving their customers.
” Boda bodas are one of the most widely used means of transport in Rukungiri. From early morning until late at night, riders move passengers, transport goods, and provide an important connection between trading centres, villages, and the town” Ms Tumuhairwe said.
According to Ms Tumuhairwe the festival will take place on 28th . November 2027 and it is intended to recognize the important contribution boda boda riders make to the daily lives of people in Rukungiri and the surrounding areas adding that many residents in the district depend on them to reach workplaces, schools, markets, health facilities, and other destinations.
However, despite their importance, boda boda riders often face challenges such as road accidents, limited access to financial services, poor working conditions, and negative perceptions from some members of the public.
“Country Radio believes that bringing riders together through the festival can provide an opportunity to address some of these challenges while also celebrating their contribution to the community”. Ms Tumuhairwe noted.
Ms Tumuhairwe called upon riders to use the festival as an opportunity to learn from one another and build stronger relationships.
” The Boda Boda Festival is expected to bring together riders from different parts of Rukungiri for entertainment, interaction, education, and community engagement” .Ms Tumuhairwe added.
Ms Tumuhairwe noted that the festival represents more than just an entertainment event and it demonstrates the role local media can play in identifying community needs and creating practical platforms for addressing them.
“By working closely with boda boda riders, the station is strengthening its relationship with one of the largest groups of transport workers in the district and the festival is expected to encourage riders to improve their conduct and become ambassadors for road safety” Ms Tumuhairwe noted.
Speaking on the same event, the Rukungiri district Boda Boda vice chairperson Mr. Julius Kahigiriza hailed Country radio for thinking about Boda Boda raiders .
” This festival should become a lasting platform rather than a one-day event” Mr Kahigiriza said.
He also encouraged local businesses and organizations to support the initiative because of the important role boda boda riders play in connecting communities and supporting trade.
” The Boda Boda Festival comes at a time when road safety remains an important concern in Uganda. Through education and community engagement, initiatives of this nature can help promote safer roads while giving riders a greater sense of responsibility and belonging” Mr Kahigiriza added.
The chairperson of country radio listener Mr Karuma Onsumus welcomed the festival saying that it make the station visible.
He also called upon the public to support the festival since it will benefit the whole district financially.
Activities of the day .
Activities associated with the festival include music, games, discussions, and messages on road safety and responsible riding.
The event also provides an opportunity for riders to interact with local leaders, business people, law enforcement officers, and other stakeholders and it will be celebrated under the theme ” Safety First, Hustle Bigger”.
On the same day , the winner will be given a brand new motorcycle out as prize to the day’ s Winner. .
