A mandatory registration exercise for boda boda operators in Lira City has sparked a dispute between city authorities and motorcycle riders, with officials defending the initiative as a tool for planning and security while some operators describe it as an unlawful tax.
The exercise requires every boda boda operator to pay Shs35,000 annually for registration and issuance of a digital identity card and motorcycle sticker.
According to Lira City authorities, the fee is allocated among production of digital IDs and stickers (Shs15,000), city development programmes (Shs13,000) and boda boda association operations (Shs7,000).
Speaking during a media dialogue organised by the Equal Opportunities Commission in Lira on June 4, Lira City Communications Officer Robert Okello Ayo said the registration aims to improve planning, security and revenue mobilisation.
‘You remember that during the Covid-19 pandemic, we were asked to provide statistics on the number of boda boda operators and market vendors who were affected. We did not have all the data that government wanted,’ Okello said.
He said the city wants to establish an accurate database of operators to support future planning and emergency interventions.
City authorities also argue that the registration will strengthen security by enabling identification of individual operators through digital identity cards.
Okello cited the January 2025 killing of ear, nose and throat specialist Dr Wilfred Olila, who was allegedly transported by an unidentified boda boda rider before being murdered.
‘Up to now, nobody can tell which boda boda was that. As city authority, it is within our mandate to regulate every activity happening within the city,’ he said.
According to city records, more than 3,200 of an estimated 7,000 boda boda operators had registered by June 3.
However, some riders have challenged the exercise, alleging that it was introduced without adequate consultation and is being enforced through intimidation.
The operators claim motorcycles have been impounded and only released after payment of Shs50,000, while some riders allege they were forced to pay registration fees.
‘The exercise is being implemented through coercive and unlawful means, including the deployment of hired bouncers and security personnel who are effecting arbitrary arrests of riders and the impounding of their motorcycles,’ said Steven Okullo, one of the aggrieved riders.
On May 7, a group of riders instructed Egaru and Company Advocates to demand suspension of the exercise.
In a letter received by Lira City Council on May 8, the law firm argued that the registration programme lacked adequate consultation and questioned the authority of individuals representing boda boda riders in the exercise.
‘Our clients were never given an opportunity to be heard,’ the lawyers wrote.
The law firm further argued that no council ordinance or directive authorising the exercise had been publicly presented to riders and questioned the legal basis for the collection of the fee.
The dispute has also exposed divisions among boda boda leaders.
Sam Odongo, chairman of boda boda riders in Lira City East Division, denied involvement in collecting money from operators and said the exercise was being conducted by the city council.
However, Lira City West Division chairman Juma Owera said boda boda leaders were actively participating in the registration campaign.
‘Odongo Sam, Okori Moses and I are actively involved in the exercise. So far, 2,400 plus boda boda riders have paid the money,’ Owera said.
He added that authorities had impounded more than 100 motorcycles during the first two days of enforcement.
Former Lango Sub-region boda boda chairman Bodyguard Odongo criticised the exercise and called for greater transparency regarding the collection and management of the funds.
The dispute continues as riders demand clarification on the legal basis of the registration programme and accountability for money already collected, while city authorities maintain that the exercise is necessary for effective urban management and public safety.