Survey: Taxi drivers, boda boda riders lead in sexually harassing girls

A survey carried out by Plan Uganda, an International NGOs, has revealed that Boda Boda riders, taxi and transit goods trucks drivers are behind the rampant wave of adolescent girl’s sexual abuse especially in Kampala’s slum areas.

The revelation was made by Plan Uganda Head of Programs Patrick Ssebowa, during a youth dialogue on Safe City, at Hotel Africana on Wednesday.

Ssebowa said the worst hit areas are Kawempe, Rubaga and Makindye Divisions of Kampala.

He said Plan Uganda carried out the survey in the affected areas in partnership with local leaders, adolescent girls and boys, boda boda riders, taxi drivers and bar and night clubs operators among others.

“Majority adolescent girls who fall victim to sexual abuse lack skills and confidence to report the perpetrators. Plan Uganda tries to address issues of adolescent girls who grapple with life in these slum areas by making their voices heard, perpetrators brought to book and create a platform where young people air their social economic challenges”, he said.

Esther Namboka, Plan Uganda Safer City Coordinator, said their NGO works with 33 zones in the affected areas, where their main focus is on school dropout girls, who are vulnerable to slum irresponsible dwellers.

“Some of these girls become victims of rape by Boda Boda riders in the late hours of the night, while retiring from night clubs, where they could be working as bar maids or hanging out with grown up men in their beer drinking spree”, she said.

Emmanuel Serunjoji, the mayor of Kawempe division, said information dissemination to relevant authorities for action against those who subject Adolescent girls to sexual abuse is still a big challenge.

He said many girls fear to report sexual abuse cases, yet each Kampala Capital City Division has an Office to address youth affairs. He lashed at sports betting operators who position their business premises near schools and girls’ hostels, saying the law will deal with them.