Boda boda riders in Uganda, be wary

This item appears on page 17 of the February 2010 issue.

The US Embassy in Kenya issued a warning about boda bodas (motorcycles for hire) because of frequent serious accidents caused by badly maintained vehicles and unsafe driving habits on poor roads. Also, in November there were at least two serious late-night attacks on American citizens by boda boda operators.

The embassy reminds boda boda riders to wear helmets and avoid using the vehicles at night and, in general, to not go out alone, to avoid poorly lit areas and to beware when consuming alcohol as there have been reports of drinks being “spiked” with drugs as part of a premeditated assault.