This archive report was first published on 8 July 2020.
On July 8, 2020, a group of boda boda operators in Uganda took their government to court, challenging the lockdown restrictions that have left them without a source of income.
The National Federation of Professional Cyclists Network (NFPC), representing the boda boda operators, argued that the government's decision to allow other businesses to resume operations while keeping them closed is discriminatory.
According to the petitioners, led by Mr. Fred Kagaba, Mr. Twaha Semakula, Mr. Yassin Ssemujju, and Mr. Umar Jjuko Kateregga, the government's refusal to allow them to carry passengers is a violation of their economic rights under the Constitution.
President Yoweri Museveni had relaxed COVID-19 lockdown rules, allowing public and private transport to operate at half capacity, but excluded boda bodas from carrying passengers, citing the risk of spreading the virus due to the close proximity between the rider and the passenger.
However, Mr. Kagaba disputed this reasoning, stating in his affidavit that boda bodas are open and do not pose the same risk as enclosed vehicles.
The boda boda operators are seeking a court order to compel the government to reopen their passenger business and provide financial support until they can resume operations.
They are also willing to adhere to standard operating procedures, such as handwashing and wearing face masks, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
