Do you Want to take a Boda Boda Ride in Uganda? Think Twice.

A Boda-Boda Ride a Day Keeps the Doctor Closeby.

Most people in Uganda have taken a  boda-boda (motorbike taxi) ride at some point or the other. Some do it daily.  Most take boda- bodas because they are in a hurry. In many cases, the act of taking a boda-boda ride in Kampala may be the worst choice you may make about your physical health.  The risk may rank up there with engaging in a sexual relationship without knowing your partner's HIV status and may be similar to or worse than drinking unboiled water in Kampala. If you plan to take bodas regularly, also plan to spend some time in hospitals and clinics.

Overloaded Boda Boda.  Photo;africancrowds.org

 Taking a boda boda ride in Kampala is transforming yourself into the next-accident-waiting-to-happen.

Most people do not realize that a boda boda ride turns you into the car-frame or body of that  boda-boda.  In addition, the boda-boda driver may care much less about your life than a car fender would  and has little choice in it. Many a  boda-boda driver has braked suddenly, had their client fall off the bike and sped away very fast from the scene. Most boda-boda drivers would not hesitate to expose you to harm and save their own skin. The boda-boda driver will likely  not warn you of any danger ahead and in Kampala, he does not obey traffic lights or any such rules. He competes with other drivers whether in large or small cars or trailers.  He will expose you to unnecessary danger.  Meanwhile he has a helmet and you don't. Basically, taking a boda boda ride in Kampala is transforming yourself into the next -accident-waiting-to-happen.


A few suggestions...


So what can one do to avoid boda bodas in Kampala? I have a few suggestions;

Taxi

1. Take a regular taxi instead. This means have to wake up in time to get to the taxi stop and estimate an extra 20 minutes for your journey time to wherever you are going. This is because taxis usually delay as they wait to pick extra passengers to make more money.  The more passengers they take, the better. Makes sense.  If you are getting late you can suggest to pay  for the extra place (maybe 1000 shillings) for the person so the taxi does stop and you can be in better time for your appointment. It would be safer than getting out to take a boda.Definitely safer.

Special Hire Taxi

2. Another thing you could do is hire a special hire taxi for the extra mile you usually  take the boda for  (where the majority of taxis stop). This may be a bit expensive and may include some risk but the expense can be reduced if you share the ride with a friend who lives on your side of town. The risk can be further reduced too if you always call someone and tell them the name of the dr youiver have taken the special ride with (make this call aloud and make sure the special taxi guy hears you as you do). Or use the same special hire driver  that all of you and your family know.  Call your family before you get into the car.

Walk

3. Another suggestion is to walk; the benefits of walking cannot be overemphasized. If you have a mile long journey to your home from where the taxis stop, you can walk that distance home. Walking good for weight loss. It is also good for your heart's health and it is good for your thought processes as people tend to think better and even get ideas when we are walking.  Of course,  make sure that the time and place are safe for walking.

Run

4. Run; Use the distance from your usual boda-boda stage as a  jogging route. This can be easier in the evening as you will arrive all sweaty and head straight for a shower at home. It is very healthy and fulfilling and will definitely make you healthier. Pace yourself and don't overstrain as you jog. You are not in a marathon, you are just replacing your risky boda boda ride with a jog. Say hallo to the people you pass on your jog.  In our Uganda, i would not advise putting earphones on or running to music on a techno, ipod,  kabiriiti or whatever.Uganda has very few places with sidewalks and it is likely you may be knocked by another boda-boda if you on the sidewalks if you are not alert.  So, please desist from blocking your ears if you can as you jog in Uganda.


When all Else Fails, Take a Boda

5. When all else fails, take a boda... but not before all else has failed. Sometimes you have an emergency and have to rush home to pick up a sick child, to rush to hospital or for that interview.  When you do take that inevitable boda-boda, you could tell the boda-boda driver that,  one you are an old woman or man but just look young and that all the earnings of your home depend on you. That this is the first boda ride you have taken in years.  That if he drives fast you are likely to throw up on him as you may have motion sickness and that if he is very careful and delivers you safely you will be very grateful. Otherwise avoid boda-bodas.





4.