Col Emmy Katabazi, the Deputy Director General (DDG) of the Internal Security Organization (ISO), has asked boda boda leaders to embrace unity, ensure socio-economic transformation, and work with security agencies to beef up security in Uganda for a peaceful country and nation-building.
Col Katabazi made the remarks while offering a lecture of opportunity to 373 boda boda leaders from Kampala Metropolitan and Wakiso districts who are currently attending a one-week training course at the Oliver Reginald Tambo School of Leadership and Pan-African Centre of Excellence Training-Kaweweta in Nakaseke district on Wednesday, May 1, 2024.
He asked boda boda leaders to love Uganda and work hard in their youth to build Uganda because it belongs to them.
Col Katabazi urged the leaders to support government programs to promote socio-economic transformation. He cautioned the leaders against getting involved in strikes and demonstrations.
“Don’t go on the streets to demonstrate and burn tires on the roads,” Col Katabazi cautioned.
The Deputy Director General of ISO asked the leaders to work together and remain united to build a strong Uganda.
“We are going to protect and promote Uganda because colonialists won’t develop it for us but are instead against Africa and looting resources,” he said.
The Colonel cautioned boda boda leaders and riders against robbery and asked them to adhere to traffic and road rules.
“Don’t put on helmets for police officers but for your safety because, in case of an accident, it will protect your head against sustaining injuries,” he stated.
He asked the leaders to show interest in knowing the different boda boda riders operating from various stages and be each other’s keepers.
He further asked them to ensure discipline and be organized while on duty.
Faizo Kitoke, a Boda Boda leader operating from Ndeeba in Kampala Central, appreciated the course and said that he learned a lot during the training.
“I’ve learned how to handle the people I’m leading and calm them down in case of any misunderstanding,” he said.
The trainees requested to be provided with uniforms for boda boda riders to ensure smartness and proper identification.
“I will ask the DISOs to give you their numbers and know the stages each of the boda boda riders operates from to curb crime and beef up security,” Col Katabazi noted.
The Boda Boda leaders will end their training on Sunday, May 5, 2024, and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is expected to preside over the function as he passes them out.