ITMS Celebrates Mothers’ Day with Women Boda Riders, Pushes Road Safety Campaign
In a sector long dominated by men and often associated with high risks and harsh working conditions, a group of women boda boda riders in Kampala are steadily redefining the face of Uganda’s transport industry. As part of the Mothers’ Day celebrations, the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS) donated reflector jackets to members of […] The post ITMS Celebrates Mothers’ Day with Women Boda Riders, Pushes Road Safety Campaign appeared first on Daily Star.
Black News 
In a sector long dominated by men and often associated with high risks and harsh working conditions, a group of women boda boda riders in Kampala are steadily redefining the face of Uganda’s transport industry.
As part of the Mothers’ Day celebrations, the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS) donated reflector jackets to members of the ‘Twezimbe Women Boda Boda’ Association in Wakaliga, in a move aimed at promoting road safety, visibility, and empowerment for female riders.
The association, which currently boasts more than 150 women riders, has become a symbol of resilience and determination among women seeking economic independence through the boda boda business.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Chairperson of Twezimbe Women Boda Boda, Dathive Mukeshimana, described the initiative as timely support for women operating in one of Uganda’s most demanding informal sectors.
“It is not easy being both a mother and a boda boda rider because of the societal stereotypes and the dangerous nature of the job,” Mukeshimana said. “Road accidents are common, especially due to reckless driving by some road users. These reflector jackets will improve our visibility, particularly at night, and help ensure that we return home safely to our children.”
Mukeshimana noted that support initiatives targeting women riders help strengthen their confidence and encourage more women to venture into income-generating activities traditionally perceived as male preserves.
She added that despite the daily challenges on the road, many women have embraced the boda boda business as a means of providing for their families amid difficult economic conditions.
Speaking on behalf of ITMS, Public Relations Consultant Steven Turyarugayo said the donation forms part of the company’s wider corporate social responsibility programme focused on road safety awareness and inclusion within Uganda’s transport sector.
“Mother’s Day presents an opportunity to recognise the strength, sacrifice, and contribution of women in society,” Turyarugayo said. “These women are not only mothers and caregivers, but also hardworking entrepreneurs contributing to Uganda’s economy and deserving of support and protection.”
He said the initiative also seeks to encourage responsible road use and improve safety standards among boda boda operators, who remain one of the largest players in Uganda’s urban transport system.
Boda boda riders, particularly in Kampala, provide employment to thousands of Ugandans and remain a critical means of transport for commuters. However, the sector continues to register high numbers of road crashes, injuries, and fatalities.
According to road safety stakeholders, inadequate protective gear and poor visibility, especially at night, remain among the leading contributors to boda boda accidents.
ITMS said partnering with women riders aligns with its broader road safety campaign dubbed Safe Kids, Safe Future, which focuses on promoting road discipline and protecting children through awareness campaigns conducted in schools across the country.
The event also served as a platform to encourage more women to confidently participate in Uganda’s transport and mobility sector while advocating for safer roads for all users.
The post ITMS Celebrates Mothers’ Day with Women Boda Riders, Pushes Road Safety Campaign appeared first on Daily Star.
