Hongera Saana, Security Agencies to Offer Free GPS Trackers to Boda Bodas

Hongera Saana Uganda, an initiative under the Office of the President aimed at curbing violent extremism has partnered with security agencies to distribute free motorcycle tracking devices to riders across the country.

The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Community Policing department of the Uganda Police Force, the Anti-Terrorism Unit under the Internal Security Organisation (ISO), and the Traffic Police.

According to Ashraf Muyomba the National Coordinator Hongera Saana Uganda, the initiative is part of a broader effort to protect the livelihoods of boda-boda riders who are prone to being robbed.

"We want to ensure that riders feel safer and more secure knowing that their bikes can be tracked at all times," he said.

Muyomba noted that the initiative will also see 24-hour support services for riders, providing assistance in case of emergencies and helping to coordinate swift recovery if a motorcycle is stolen.

He underscored the role tracking systems in providing emergency response support in case of accidents or attacks, allowing security agencies to respond faster.

“With many riders operating in areas with limited police presence, GPS tracking offers a layer of personal safety and accountability that benefits both the rider and the wider community. As crime targeting boda-bodas increases, tracking becomes a proactive tool to protect honest riders from being victims or wrongly suspected as perpetrators,” he added.

The Kampala Metropolitan Area Police Community Liaison Officer, Senior Superintendent of Police Donal Muhwezi  emphasized the economic vulnerability of many boda-boda riders, noting that most live hand to mouth and often rely on loans to acquire motorcycles.

He explained that the theft or loss of a motorcycle can be financially devastating, leaving families without a source of livelihood.

“By installing tracking devices, riders are better positioned to recover stolen motorcycles quickly, reducing losses and minimizing the impact on their families,” Muhwezi said.

“Security is becoming more system-based, and as police, we are open to working with anyone offering solutions that contribute to the safety of people and their property. That’s why we welcomed the partnership with Hongera Saana Uganda."

Hassan Yiga, Secretary for Defence for Wakiso District Boda-Boda riders, welcomed the move, that he said will be a gamechanger.

He explained that GPS tracking services are needed by riders, they are costly on the open market and the performance is also inconsistent.

According to officials, so far, 2,056 tracking devices have been installed for boda-boda riders operating in Wakiso Town Council, Wakiso Mumyuka, Mende, Bujjuuko Trading Centre, Ndejje, Kasanje Trading Centre, Kajjansi, and Makindye-Ssabagabo.

Beyond distributing tracking devices, the initiative is also focused on sensitizing boda-boda riders about safety and security concerns under the community policing model.

It aims to raise awareness and empower riders to play a role in identifying and rooting out criminal gangs operating within their communities.

Ahmed Muwonge, the District Internal Security Officer (DISO) for Makindye-Ssabagabo, emphasized the importance of the boda-boda industry in the country’s security landscape.

He noted that while the sector provides livelihoods to many Ugandans, it has also been exploited by some individuals for criminal activities.

“The boda-boda industry is critical not just economically, but also in terms of security. Unfortunately, some people have used it to carry out criminal acts,” Muwonge said.

Whereas boda bodas are a source of livelihood to many youths in the country, there are so many cases where riders are involved in criminality, raising concerns among members of the public and authorities.

This has seen security agencies scale up efforts to monitor and regulate the sector, balancing the need for public safety with the economic importance of the industry.