Boda-boda riders in Masindi town are reporting sharply reduced earnings during the back-to-school season, a period that usually boosts their daily income, as schools reopened for the first term today.
Riders say daily revenue, which normally exceeds Shs50,000, has dropped below Shs20,000 for many.
They attribute the decline to several economic pressures, including household financial strain and increased competition from loanable motorcycles saturating the market.
“Today we have a lot of boda-boda riders; this could be a reason why we are making less profits,” said Jonan Kirungi, a local rider.
In contrast, Masindi Taxi Park officials reported a busy week, with high passenger demand for trips to Kampala prompting them to hire additional vehicles from neighboring parks.
“Actually, it has been an entire busy week. Schools are reopening in Kampala, people are going shopping, and some parents are travelling. We have surely made money,” said taxi driver Jotham Mugisa.
