The reduction in the cost of acquiring a riding permit has sparked excitement among motor operators across the country.
On August 1, 2024, the government announced a reduction in the cost of acquiring riding permits for boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) riders.
Under the new cost list, the learner’s permit cost was reduced from 60,000 shillings to 40,000 shillings. The new full-riding license cost for one year was reduced from 135,000 shillings to 100,000 shillings.
The three-year valid permit cost was reduced from 230,000 shillings to 130,000 shillings, and the five-year permit cost was reduced from 350,000 shillings to 250,000 shillings.
Renewal of the driving license for one year was reduced from 130,000 shillings to 70,000 shillings, and a three-year-old valid permit cost was reduced from 210,000 shillings to 100,000 shillings.
A five-year valid permit cost was also reduced from 310,000 shillings to 200,000 shillings, and duplicate licenses were reduced from 120,000 shillings to 60,000 shillings.
In Mukono Municipality, boda-boda operators are excited about the decision to reduce the cost of acquiring riding and driving permits.
Steven Sekikubbo, the chairperson of the Mukono Boda-Boda Operators Association, said most members are now bracing to secure riding permits.
He said this will, shortly, reduce the increasing number of motor accidents caused by reckless riding or driving by untrained operators.
Ssekikubbo made the remarks on August 26, 2024, during the grand launch of Pureflow’s new branch in Mukono.
Pureflow is a privately owned commercial company dealing in the distribution of boda-boda motorcycles on credit.
“Riders do not fear acquiring riding permits, but they had been scared away because of the cost. We requested the President reduce the cost of boda-boda riding permits; he asked how much we could afford, and an affordable fee was set,” said Ssekikubo.
The government decision is in response to complaints from boda-boda riders about the high permit costs.
