Uganda Revenue Authority has met with boda-boda riders in Arua City to sensitize them on the ongoing boda-boda registration exercise.

In the wake of the increased smuggling using numberless motorcycles in the West Nile sub-region, URA started the boda-boda registration campaign in March this year to have a digital catalogue of the motorcycles operating in the area and counter the vice.

The exercise, which concluded in June, has been extended to September to allow all riders to register.

Speaking to the riders at the OPM grounds in Arua, Ajiga Mansur, the in-charge of enforcement, thanked them for positively responding to the campaign, revealing that the number of motorcycles has reduced tremendously. He urged them to act as ambassadors and rally their colleagues to participate in the exercise.

“The promotion ended on June 30, 2024. Once again, your request for an extension was granted by management, but some of you are still stubborn. I call upon you to be our ambassadors as we fulfil our roles. This is the final opportunity, which should be grasped jealously,” Ajiga rallied.

He also cautioned the fraternity to desist from using smuggled fuel as it is adulterated and less in quantity.

He demonstrated this by displaying samples of fuel bottles confiscated from roadside sellers that purported to measure one litre but, upon unwrapping, were systematically transformed to contain less, to the surprise of hundreds of Boda-boda riders.

“This is what URA does to protect you from cheaters, but because you have no knowledge and think URA is against you,” Ajiga said. I urge you today to work with URA in the fight against illicit trade.”

Clare Sanyu, the Stakeholder Coordinator in the region, echoed the call, reminding the riders to take advantage of the reduced license fees and deadline extension to register.

“You need to grab this opportunity to register at the reduced price and encourage others to do so because this will help maintain your good relations and public image,” she said.

Amaku Swadik, the interim vice chairperson of the Boda-boda Association, lauded URA, stating that the meeting had enlightened them on values for collaboration, streamlining operations, and developing the Boda-boda industry.

The meeting was also attended by Bako Judith, the Arua City Deputy Resident City Commissioner, who lauded URA for educating citizens and thanked the association for their effort in contributing to revenue collection.

She observed that lack of accountability and leadership disagreements were negatively impacting the growth of the Boda-boda Association.

“I have now interested myself as Office of the Resident City Commissioner to harmonize the two constitutions, give direction to the next election, and bring to book the culprit of mismanagement of the association,” Bako emphasized.

By Akinyi Winiefred