Dokolo, Uganda | The Dokolo North United Boda-boda Association has vowed to support President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and all NRM flagbearers in the 2026 general election if government addresses their key demands.
The commitment was made on Saturday, 27 September, during a meeting in Rego-rego organised by Joseph Jones Ogwal, the NRM flagbearer for Dokolo North Constituency MP, ahead of President Museveni’s campaign tour in Lango subregion in early October.
The riders, through their interim chairperson, Okello Bosco, appealed to the president to intervene in the high cost of motorcycle loans.
They said many of them are forced to pay more than Shs 9 million for a single motorcycle due to high interest rates charged by loan providers.
They also asked for financial support to strengthen their SACCO accounts so members could borrow at lower rates and requested assistance in obtaining riding permits and reflector jackets for easier identification.
The association further pledged to contribute to voter mobilisation during the upcoming elections and to assist in maintaining local security.
Joseph Jones Ogwal, NRM Flagbearer for Dokolo North Constituency MP, said his earlier engagement with boda-boda groups during the NRM primaries revealed that most riders were trapped in debt, working only to pay loan providers and ending up with nothing once repayments were completed.
He noted that he had already supported some of them with reflector jackets and small SACCO contributions but emphasised that unity among riders would be critical.
He pointed out that President Museveni had extended support to organised boda-boda groups in other regions and argued that riders in Dokolo would also benefit if they present themselves as a united association.
Ogwal also encouraged them to dress in yellow to welcome the president when he visits the district.
Adongo Jenet Elau, NRM flagbearer for Dokolo District Woman MP, explained that the meeting was intended to capture the concerns of the riders so that they could be submitted to the president.
She urged the association to prepare a written list of their demands for formal presentation.
The meeting brought together three representatives from every boda-boda stage in the constituency, highlighting the growing political influence of the riders in Dokolo North.
President Museveni will begin his campaign tour of Lango on Wednesday, 1 October, in Amolatar District before proceeding to Dokolo later the same day.
He will then visit Otuke and Alebtong on 2 October, Apac and Kwania on 3 October, Kole, Lira and Lira City on 6 October, and Oyam District on 7 October before moving on to Pakwach.