Soroti, Uganda | David Calvin Echodu, NRM Vice National Chairman for Eastern Region and Soroti City West parliamentary flag bearer, has pledged to provide affordable motorcycle loans and implement reforms aimed at protecting boda boda riders in Soroti City from predatory lenders.
Speaking at a meeting with riders in Nakatunya Ward, Echodu promised structured access to motorcycles and the establishment of a dedicated transporters’ office to coordinate union activities and government programs.
The meeting, attended by hundreds of riders and other NRM leaders, focused on high-interest loans, limited institutional support, and challenges accessing government programs.
“Many riders lose their motorcycles to lenders and are left without livelihoods. It is time we put in place systems that protect them and their families,” Echodu said, describing his leadership as bringing “new energy” to Soroti City.
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Moroto Municipality Mayor and NRM flag bearer, Muhammed Ismail Lotieng Odari, unveiled a union-led financing model under which riders would pay an initial UGX 250,000 followed by affordable installments.
The program, managed directly by unions, is designed to shield riders from exploitative lenders.
Odari cited Moroto Municipality in Karamoja as a successful example of union-backed programs that improved rider welfare.
“Transport is the heartbeat of service delivery. Without a strong boda boda sector, our cities cannot progress,” Odari said.
Thomas Eusa, Secretary of the Soroti City Boda Boda Association, welcomed the initiative but called for official structures rather than middlemen to ensure riders’ livelihoods are protected.
Other NRM leaders, including Isaac Orego (Aspirant Soroti City East MP), Sarah Inachu (Aspirant Soroti City Woman MP), and mayoral candidate Francis Esudu, urged unity among transporters, highlighting that a well-organized sector is central to economic growth and community mobilization in Soroti City.
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