In the busy trading centres and dusty feeder roads of Bukomansimbi District, boda boda riders have become an essential part of daily transport, connecting villages to markets, schools and health facilities.
However, behind the constant movement lies a difficult reality shaped by rising fuel prices, poor road networks, frequent accidents and unpredictable earnings that leave many riders struggling to survive.
At Bukomansimbi Town Council stage, riders gather as early as 5:30am in anticipation of the first customers. Many say they work from dawn to late night, yet still return home with very little income.
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"I can spend the whole day on the stage and go home with little money, especially when fuel prices go up. Sometimes I earn only what I use for food," said John Ssemwanga, a rider in Bukomansimbi town.
Ssemwanga noted that the increasing number of riders in the district has intensified competition, reducing individual earnings.
"Now boda boda is no longer as profitable as before. Many youths have joined it, so customers are few compared to riders," he added.
Other riders say poor road conditions remain one of their biggest operational challenges, particularly in rural areas where roads become impassable during rainy seasons.
"Sometimes I refuse to go to certain villages because the road can destroy my motorcycle. If you insist, you may spend all your profit on repairs," said Musa Kigozi of Kibinge-Misanvu stage.
He added that rising costs of spare parts and maintenance further eat into already limited profits.
Fuel price fluctuations continue to compound the situation, forcing riders to adjust fares, often to the dissatisfaction of passengers.
"When fuel goes up, customers think we are cheating them. But we are also suffering. At the end of the day, we are just surviving," Kigozi said.
Safety remains another major concern, with riders frequently exposed to road accidents, especially those operating late at night or working long hours.
"We have lost colleagues in accidents. Some get injured and can no longer work. There is no strong support system for us," Ssemwanga said.
Health workers in Bukomansimbi report that boda boda accidents are among the leading causes of injuries treated at nearby health facilities.
Many riders operate without insurance or savings, meaning that accidents or mechanical breakdowns can quickly push them into deeper financial hardship.
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"If my bike gets a serious problem, I have to borrow money or stop working. There is no backup plan," said a rider identified as Kato in Butenga Sub-county.
Despite these challenges, many young people continue to join the boda boda business due to limited employment opportunities.
"It is what is available. We have families to feed, so we cannot sit at home," Ssemwanga said.
Local leaders acknowledge the difficulties faced by riders and encourage them to join savings groups, training programmes and road safety initiatives.
Authorities also continue to urge riders to observe traffic regulations and avoid reckless riding, particularly in rural areas where accidents are common.
In response to these hardships, some riders have formed informal welfare associations where they contribute small amounts of money to support members during emergencies.
"We try to support each other when one of us is in trouble. Without that, life would be very hard," said Kigozi.
For boda boda riders in Bukomansimbi, survival is anchored on long working hours, resilience and community solidarity.
While the industry remains a vital source of livelihood, riders continue to call for improved roads, stable fuel prices and stronger financial protection mechanisms to secure their future.
