ClementsN_ISP

Factors Influencing Microenterprise
Survival in the Informal Sector in Uganda
Independent Study Project
Natalie Clements
Project Advisor: Dr. Francis Wasswa
Academic Director: Dr. Charlotte Mafumbo
Project Location: Kampala, Uganda
SIT: Development Studies
Fall 2015

Microenterprise Survival 1
DEDICATION
This report is dedicated to the working population of the informal sector whose voices
often go unheard in their efforts to carve out space and viable livelihoods within the economy. In
particular, it is for the Boda Boda riders, to whom the culmination of this research hopes to aid in
increasing the sustainability and growth of their financial and job security.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This research would not have been possible without the advisory of Dr. Francis Wasswa,
the policy research analyst of the Economic Development Policy and Research Directorate of the
Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development. He provided encouragement and
guidance in both the formation and performance of this project. He enabled access to the Ministry’s
reports and statistics concerning the informal sector.
Additionally, Dr. Dixon Kamkama acted as a shadow advisor, connecting the researcher
with the Boda Boda 2010 Association Limited Uganda Central Division, going as far as to
personally drive and make the introductions.
Mr. Andrew Mwenda provided invaluable insights to the conclusion and recommendations
of this report. His receptivity to research possibilities and his promotion of accountability is
commendable.
The Boda Boda 2010 Association Limited Uganda Central Division opened their arms to
research possibilities, enabling and aiding with survey circulation. Likewise, members and staff at
the company Tugende eagerly organized and translated for focus groups.
Lastly, the ever patient staff at SIT Uganda Development Studies nurtured and promoted
the advancement of this project, providing advisement, translators, aid in survey distribution, and
much more.

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
KCCA Kampala Capital City Authority
NRM National Resistance Movement
MFI Micro-Finance Institution
SACCO Savings and Credit Co-Operative

LIST OF TERMS
Microenterprise – A small business, often made up solely of one self-employed individual but
sometimes including up to six employees.
Informal sector - social workings outside of the legal framework, including but not limited to
undocumented self-employment, free of taxation and squatting living arrangements. The informal
sector is often associated with insecurity.
Formal sector – social working within the legal framework, including but not limited to taxed,
contract employment with set hours and wages and property ownership. The formal sector is often
associated with security.
Boda Boda rider (Boda rider) - the driver of a motorcycle or bike used for public transportation;
for the sake of this study, Boda rider will refer only to motorcycle drivers.
Boda Boda (Boda) - uppercase refers to the driver of the motorcycle or bike and the actual vehicle
used for public transportation; for the sake of this study, Boda will refer only to motorcycles and
their drivers.
boda boda - lowercase refers to the bike or motorcycle itself used for public transportation; for
the sake of this study, boda will refer only to motorcycles.
Boda Boda stage (Boda stage) – an area where Bodas wait for passengers; a Boda rider is a
member of a specific stage. Each stage has a chairman elected out of the Boda riders.
Boda Boda association (Boda association) – a union of Boda riders that provides services,
including but not limited to road safety classes and loans; a Boda rider must be a member of a
Boda stage before he joins a Boda association.

ABSTRACT
The economic sector of Uganda is divided into two facets, namely the formal and the
informal sector. The latter is characterized by the prevalence of self-employment,
microenterprises, and political vulnerability. Furthermore, the Boda trade exemplifies the features
of this sector, as it acts as a major employer but fails to lead its participants to personal
development due to issues of sustainability. This study investigates the Boda trade within
Uganda’s capital city to evaluate the influences of informal business mortality. Kampala was
chosen as the research setting for its relevance as the core of informal transportation commercial
activity. Microenterprise survival was analyzed in terms of the role of Bodas as a youth employer
and proxy for public transportation, the magnitude of the trade within Kampala, and the challenges
that impede business sustainability and growth. Additionally, current private interventions were
examined in the context of depth of mediation and real impact.
The researcher used a blend of methods to account for tool limitations. Thus, methods
included a review of quantitative government publications and qualitative primary research,
specifically the use of semi-structured interviews, surveys, and focus groups. Interviewees
included academic and administrative individuals involved in private organizations. Surveys
accounted for both association-affiliated and independent Boda riders. Focus groups worked to
supplement survey data as well as to compare the demographics and business forces for Boda
riders involved in associations versus those of members of other Boda-related establishments.
Analysis exposed the ability of Boda riders to financially access and own capital as a large
contributing factor to microenterprise survival. The nature of the trade, while challenging the
marginalization within the economic sector, simultaneously creates social inequalities and
promotes the dysfunction of governmental interventions. Thus, Boda riders rely on private
initiatives, such as Boda associations, the company Tugende, and the application Wakabi, for aid.
Successful organizational involvement hinges on the ability to empower individual Boda riders,
create a form of regulation, and raise the standards of the industry. However, these mechanisms
exist merely as transitional solutions, for the problems of the trade, and the informal sector as a
whole, require the dedication of government and formal support in terms of education, financial
accessibility, and infrastructural development.
ISP Keywords: Commerce-Business, Economics, Development Studies, Transportation

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0. Introduction ...…………………………………………………………………………… 7
2.0. Background ……………………………………………………………………………... 7
3.0. Statement of Objectives ………………………………………………………….……... 9
4.0. Justification ……………………………………………………………………………... 9
5.0. Methodology …………………………………………..................................................... 9
5.1. Data Collection Methods ………………….……………................................... 10
5.1.1. Government Publications ……………….……....................................... 10
5.1.2. Interviews …………………………………............................................ 10
5.1.3. Surveys …………………………………………......…………………... 11
5.1.4. Focus Groups …………………………………...................................... 12
5.2. Ethical Concerns …………………………………………................................. 13
5.3. Limitations of Methods …………………………………..……......................... 13
6.0. Findings and Discussion …………………………………………................................. 14
6.1.Government Publications ……………….…………............................................ 14
6.2.Interviews …….……………………………………............................................ 15
6.3.Surveys ………………………………………………………………………..... 19
6.4.Focus groups …………………………...……………………………………..... 22
7.0. Conclusion ……………………………………………….…………………..………... 24
8.0. Recommendations ………………………………………………………………..……. 25
9.0.Bibliography …...……………………………………..................................................... 27
10.0. Appendices ……………………………………………………….……………. 29
10.A. Consent Form English …………………………………….…............... 29
10.B. Consent Form Luganda …………………………………….….............. 30
10.C. Description of Interviews …...……………………………….……….... 31
10.D. Select Interview Schedules ………………………………….……….... 33
10.E. Boda Survey English ………………………………………….……….. 35
10.F. Boda Survey Luganda ………………………………………….…….... 38
10.G. Tugende Focus Group Interview Guide ..……………………….……... 41
10.H. Wandegeya Boda Rider Focus Group Interview Guide ....….…….…… 42
10.I. List of Figures …………………………………...…………...…….…... 43

1.0 INTRODUCTION
Uganda has one of the highest per-capita business start-up rates in the world, as the
enterprising poor are forced to seek out alternative financial options in order to make ends meet
(Kristensen & Birch-Thomsen, 2013, pg. 177). However, the country additionally has one of the
highest business failure rates, as a large proportion of these businesses, such as fast-food stands,
roadside mechanics, and Boda Boda, are informal microenterprises directed towards unproductive
ends. The youth turn to urban migration and self-employment as the answer to high
unemployment, making the Boda Boda trade, or motorcycle taxis, the second largest employer
after agriculture (Nasasira, 2015, pg. 1). Additionally, the informal business sector plays an
interesting role in Uganda, as it works to fill gaps left open by government functions and the formal
sector (Goodfellow & Titeca, 2012, pg. 14). Thus, as there is a lack of formal public transportation
and continuation of transport restrictions, i.e. stagnant infrastructure for growing traffic and 14-
seater taxis as the only form of public transportation, the Boda Bodas act as the most efficient form
of transport, rivalling only the formal, expensive special hires. The Boda trade, while necessary to
the function of Uganda, in particular Kampala, experiences the same level of insecurity and
unsustainability characteristically found in the informal sector (Zanule, 2015, pg. 4).
This study investigates the sustainability of the Boda Boda trade as well as its ramifications
for the riders economically and socially. Combining government publications, including
household surveys, with primary qualitative research in Kampala, the study explains the high
business mortality rate and gives recommendations for sensitization projects and policy changes
to increase the sustainability of the informal sector.
2.0 BACKGROUND
The informal sector exists to fill gaps of employment and social services. However, issues of
sustainability continue, for the sector is excluded from the security of the formal legal framework
(Pietrus, 2014, pg. 8). The population of Kampala is growing such that the city experienced a
growth of 10.6 million people between 2002 and 2014 (“National”, 2014, pg. 6), largely due to
rural-urban migration, as rural youth seek out alternate livelihoods to counteract limited economic
opportunities and land-access shortage (Kristensen & Birch-Thomsen, 2013, pg. 176). The
increased urbanization strains both the limited job market as well as the static transport
infrastructure, for the shift from rural agriculture to urban employment does not translate into a
growth of high value and productive industries, such as manufacturing (“Poverty”, 2014, pg. 37).

Moreover, access to credit and capital is hindered by the high demand for collateral, i.e. land titles
(Kristensen & Birch-Thomsen, 2013), pg. 191), thus the lack of financial alternatives supports the
growth of the informal sector as a means of confronting the socioeconomic marginalization of the
labor force (Pietrus, 2014, pg. 7). The expanding city, coupled with stagnant public transportation,
encourages the growth of the Boda trade (Mutabazi, n.d.).
Boda riders, due to their sheer population size and function, maintain a collective power in
Kampala. They represent potential as a voting bloc, political capital, and youth employer; however,
their power also arises out of transportation dependence for city function. Likewise, the trade
becomes difficult, if not impossible, to regulate in fear of promoting a city standstill, youth unrest,
and financially-motivated crimes (Goodfellow & Titeca, 2012, pg. 13). Thus, while the trade may
be hindered by a lack of regulation, it is supported by political interventions in an attempt to
harness its capacity as a voting power.
In the 2002-2003 period, the Kampala City Capital Authority (KCCA) attempted to place a tax
on Boda riders, but as riders protested, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) demonized the
tax as “exploitation of the poor” (Goodfellow & Titeca, 2012, pg. 13) to rally support behind
Yoweri Museveni in the 2004-2005 presidential election. The KCCA remains unable to control
the Boda trade, as it works in an effort against, rather than with, Boda riders. In 2014, the KCCA
designed an infrastructure-based effort of limited traffic in Kampala’s center by prohibiting Bodas;
once again, politicians interfered (Nasasira, 2015, pg. 2) to maintain their votes.
Consequently, stemming out of the inability to standardize the trade, Boda riders need simply
to find an individual or company to buy or rent a motorcycle from to begin working. Boda riders
often remain dependent on these motorcycle owners, leasing the necessary capital indefinitely
throughout their careers. As a characteristic of their informal work, riders are less likely to gain
access to the necessary credit in order to purchase and own their business capital (Leino, 2009, pg.
2). Formal driving education is legally required but has inconsistent implementation (Zanule, 2015,
pg. 14). For instance, while motorcyclists are legally required to wear helmets when they drive
(“Traffic”, n.d.), in practice, there is a disconnect between legal necessity and understanding of
personal safety, as Boda riders often carry their helmets in lieu of wearing them, donning them
only to evade occasional police harassment (Heuler, 2013, pg. 1). In the context of Kampala’s
limited road and pedestrian infrastructure coupled with increasing vehicles on the road, the
constant traffic jams result in frequent Boda-related accidents and a “fatality rate of 65 deaths per

10,000 vehicles” in Uganda (Tamala & Wamono, 2010, pg. 6). Thus, despite the high political
support of the Bodas, the trade follows the trend of the informal sector of counteracting the
marginalization of the workforce while simultaneously promoting inequalities of job and wage
security.
3.0 STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES
The overall aims of this study are to:
i) Qualitatively explain the business mortality rates of the Boda trade
ii) Investigate the factors that contribute to informal unsustainability
iii) Evaluate the ability of private initiatives in providing short-term and long-term
solutions to the issues within the Boda trade
iv) Provide recommendations for economic and social governmental policy changes
4.0 JUSTIFICATION
The study takes place in a 6-week time frame in Kampala, Uganda. Kampala was chosen
as the setting for it acts as the heart of the Boda trade in Uganda, estimating more than 120,000
Bodas working within the city (Nasasira, 2015, pg. 1). Boda Bodas are relevant to the informal
sector, as they contain little-to-no barriers to entry, limiting the sustainability and security of the
trade. This simultaneously increases competition as well as incidence of other social and
infrastructural externalities, including but not limited to social stigma, rural-urban migration, and
the increase in traffic jams and risk of accidents. However, this line of work is often the most
available, if not the only, option of employment for individuals, and in particular youth
(Goodfellow &Titeca, 2012, pg. 13).
The actual business mortality rate of informal microenterprises is unknown, and the time
frame of this report does not allow for the endeavor of such an investigation; nevertheless, this
study uses a qualitative approach to examine and analyze the dynamics of Boda business
formulation, revenue, and survival in the aim of identifying the underlying challenges to the trade,
evaluating current interventions, and forming governmental policy recommendations to increase
the regulation and sustainability of the informal sector.
5.0 METHODOLOGY
All research took place in Kampala, as the city acts as the epicenter of the Boda trade, thus
subsequent methods and tools were chosen to both understand the depth of the trade within the

informal sector and working economy as well as to account for the voice of the sector in explaining
the rate of microenterprise survival.
5.1 DATA COLLECTION METHODS
This study encompassed a Q-squared approach, or a combination of both “qualitative and
quantitative methods” and tools (Kanbur & Shaffer, 2005, pg. 1), combining existing data with
primary qualitative research. Sources were found through scholarly searches of previous studies,
relevant national policies, and reports provided by the Ministry of Finance’s directorate Economic
Development Policy and Research. Primary research included interviews of individuals and
institutions, both academic and administrative, as well as surveys and focus groups of Boda riders.
All names, except when given explicit permission for use, have been removed to protect the
identities of the participants. The primary research relied heavily on participant observation,
through narrative recording, or researcher transcriptions (Kumar, 2011, pg. 135), as well as
Kampala’s informal sector and infrastructure. Observation also aided in the evaluation of existing
reports, data, and, in particular, statistics. Due to the gender dynamic of the Boda trade, all survey
and focus group participants were male. There is not a large enough female Boda rider population
to enable the researcher to use gender as a control. In observation, the researcher never saw a
woman involved in informal commercial transportation services.
5.1.1 GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS
Due to the nature of the informal sector, there is no existing data on the true survival rate
of microenterprises in the informal sector; however, government publications of primary and
secondary data, compiled by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics and Ministry of Finance, Planning,
and Economic Development reports were used to estimate the extent and relevance of the Boda
trade to the informal sector of Kampala. Additionally, previous scholarly studies and research were
considered in the formation of this study. The data from the government household surveys,
poverty status reports, censuses, and employment reports were accepted as valid in the construction
of this research.
5.1.2 INTERVIEWS
The researcher used a form of semi-structured interviews, where interview schedules, or
pre-written questions (Kumar, 2011, pg. 138), were written beforehand, but the interviews,
themselves, included an element of flexibility, using open-ended questions to account for the
discovery of new information and differentiation in qualitative data. Interviews worked to provide

introductory information concerning Boda-related institutions, discover challenges to Boda riders
and relevance of the trade in Kampala and greater Uganda, and evaluate current processes working
to alleviate the unsustainability of the trade. A total of 10 interviews were held (see Appendix 10.C
for a brief description of interviews) and recorded with participant permission. Primary
interviewees included representatives of the Boda Boda 2010 Association Limited Uganda Central
Division, Tugende, the Wakabi Application, and Andrew Mwenda, the founder and owner of The
Independent as well as a director and advisor to Tugende (See appendix 10.D for select interview
schedules). Additional questions were added as needed for clarification and discovery of new
relevant facets. Interview results were analyzed qualitatively for comparisons of perceived
challenges of the Boda trade, the role of private interventions, the extent of each organization’s
involvements, and the effectiveness of those mediations.
5.1.3 SURVEYS
Surveys, containing both quantitative and open-ended qualitative questions, were
distributed in English and Luganda (see Appendices 10.E and 10.F) to the Boda Boda 2010
Association Limited Uganda Central Division and to Boda riders at various stages both affiliated
and non-affiliated with associations. Survey questions were written to determine demographics of
the Boda rider population, success within the Boda trade, influences for entering the Boda trade,
and factors of microenterprise survival within the trade. The second group of surveys was intended
to account for the voice of Boda riders who are not affiliated with an association or are members
of alternate associations than the primary one used in this study. 70 were given to the association
and 55 were given to the stages. In both cases, a representative was used to dispense and collect
surveys, explain questions as needed, and encourage participation in order to address the challenge
of researcher access to participants. The distributor of the association travelled to 10 out of their
549 Boda stages in order to account for possible differences in demographics and challenges of
Boda riders across the city. At each stage, he went through the surveys, question by question, with
the Boda riders as a group to ensure survey comprehension; then the participants separated, and
each filled out his own survey. For the second sample of mixed association and non-association
Boda riders, the distributor travelled to 30 Boda stages. Some Boda riders were unable to complete
the surveys on their own, i.e. could not write in English or Luganda or did not understand the
questions, so he verbally interviewed some Boda riders and recorded their answers. Question

number 4, inquiring of the participant’s household size, was removed from analysis, for results
displayed inconsistencies and incomprehension of the question.
23 surveys were returned from the association and 51 from the stages. Incomplete surveys
were removed from analysis as to maintain the validity of the findings; however, these surveys
were kept by the researcher in order to protect the participants’ right to anonymity and
confidentiality. 17 out of the 23 returned surveys from the Boda Boda 2010 Association Limited
Uganda Central Division were fully completed with consistent information as well as 40 out of the
51 from the second sample. Thus, out of the 125 surveys distributed, 57 were useable in this study.
A translator was used in interpreting and analyzing the surveys answered in Luganda. The survey
method yields quick and numerous results; however, it limits answers, disallows participants to
explain themselves, disallows follow-up questions, and does not account for misinterpretation of
questions. Survey data was analyzed quantitatively through the calculation of mean, median,
mode, and standard deviation or percent when applicable. Qualitative data was analyzed for
frequency analysis of responses and transformed into percent quantities.
5.1.4 FOCUS GROUPS
Focus groups of Boda riders were used to supplement survey results. Two focus groups
were held, each consisting of five participants. One group was compiled of Boda riders at the
Wandegeya Boda stage. Non-association Boda riders were difficult to find, thus the focus group
consisted of all association-affiliated riders. In commencing the focus group session, additionally,
it was found that all participants were members of the Boda Boda 2010 Association, although not
necessarily of the Central Division. The association is the largest in Kampala with five divisions
throughout the city. The second group consisted of members of the company Tugende. These Boda
riders were randomly selected from various Boda stages across Kampala and included four regular
Tugende Boda riders and one Tugende VIP rider. In both focus groups, an interpreter was used to
ease the language barrier and ensure question comprehension (see Appendices 10.G and 10.H for
interview guides). The researcher entered each focus group with pre-written interview guides of
discussion topics, and additional questions were added as needed for clarification and discovery
of new relevant facets. Focus group results were analyzed through a qualitative comparison of the
open-ended questions to determine the positive and negative influences as well as the effectiveness
of private interventions of the Boda trade.

5.5 ETHICAL CONCERNS
Entrepreneurs in the informal sector, and boda boda drivers in particular, are an
economically marginalized group; therefore, precaution was taken in conducting interviews and
focus groups. First, all participation was voluntary and with informed consent of rights of privacy,
anonymity, and confidentiality. All interviewees and focus group participants signed and were
given a copy of a consent form in English (see Appendix 10.A) or Luganda (see Appendix 10.B)
according to participant preference. Little-to-no harm resulted from participation, as the study did
not include an experiment portion, and names of participants were kept confidential. All answers
were received equally, whether they agreed with the study expectations or not. The use of
participants greatly benefited the study, for, without them, it would be impossible to capture the
true sentiments of informal entrepreneurs and factors of microenterprise formation and survival.
Ethical compensation of 5,000 Uganda shillings and refreshments was given to focus group
members for participating, and interpreters received 10,000 Uganda shillings for every hour of
their time, as their involvement in the study diminished their working hours and income of that
day. Survey participants were given and allowed to keep the pens to fill out the forms. Finally, all
interview, focus group, and survey participants were given the contact information of the
researcher and assured a copy of the study report if they do so wish to see the results.
5.6 LIMITATIONS OF METHODOLOGY
Challenges included participant accessibility, language barriers, limited time frame, focus
group dynamics, bias in answers, the Hawthorne effect where participants may change their
answers according to what they believe the researcher wants to hear (Kumar, 2011, pg. 134), and
inability to generalize the findings of the study to wider Uganda. Concerning participant
accessibility, the study focuses on association rather than non-affiliated Boda riders due to the
limited availability of independent riders. In answer bias, there seemed to be a disconnect between
survey results and focus group answers within the Boda 2010 Association; these may be due to the
use of an association administrator as a survey distributor. These challenges were combatted with
connections with associations and companies that work with Boda riders, form translators, and
interpreters to promote equal participation and respect in focus groups. Neutral and open-ended
questions were used in surveys (see Appendix 10.E), focus groups (see Appendices 10.G and
11.H), and interviews (see Appendix 10.D) to decrease bias. The time frame of six weeks

disallowed the researcher to discover the true informal microenterprise survival rate, thus the rate
was explained qualitatively through the voice of the informal sector.
6.0 FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
Research findings are presented according to method of data collection. Thus results follow
a linear analysis of contextualizing the unemployment issue and presence of Bodas, organizational
opinions of Boda-related challenges and solutions, and the perceived challenges and successes of
interventions. The latter was evaluated through the informal sector, using surveys and focus
groups. Surveys defined the average qualities of a Boda rider and success within the trade. Focus
groups worked to examine specific private initiatives as well as their real impacts on Boda riders.
6.1 GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS
In the 2014 mid-year measuring period, the population of Uganda was found to be 36.6 million,
where 6.6 million, or 18.2%, were urban (“Statistical”, 2014, pg. 12-13). With the age of the
working population legally recognized as ages 14 to 64, (“Statistical”, 2014, pg. 20), the
unemployment rate is at 9.4% (“Uganda Employment”, 2014, pg. 5). Furthermore, the proportion
of the population classified as working poor is 2.5 million, or 18% of the population, in the
2012/2013 measured year (“Statistical”, 2014, pg. 22). While the unemployment rate does not
seem necessarily high, it must be noted that the rate is increasing due to the age distribution of the
country.
Currently, approximately 50% of the population is below the age of 15, and additionally, about
50% of the labor force is below the age of 30, resulting in a labor force growth rate of 4.8% per
year (“Uganda Employment”, 2014, pg. 5). The labor force increases, as the available wage-
employment opportunities decrease, measured by the 50% decrease of advertised jobs in the Public
Administration sub-sector between 2012 and 2013 (“Statistical”, 2014, pg. 24). This decrease in
the demand for wage-labor is attributed to the combination of low firm creation and high entry and
exit rates within the formal sector (“Uganda Employment”, 2014, pg. 15). Specifically, in
Kampala, the labor force was measured to be 1,105,000 persons in 2012 with a labor force
participation rate of 73%; the proportion of the city’s working population classified as self-
employed was 53% (“Statistical”, 2014, pg. 25).
Thus, within the 2012/2013 measured year, the working population of Uganda can be divided
by employment opportunity, with the majority, 52.6%, classified as self-employed (“Statistical”,
2014, pg. 21). Considering that about 54% of households receive income from more than one

source (“Poverty”, 2014, pg. 36), it must be noted that the proportion of households that rely on
non-agricultural enterprises as their main source of income is 23.9% (“Uganda National”, 2014,
pg. 101).
The increase in the Boda trade can be estimated through the increase in the population’s
demand of loans from micro-finance institutions (MFI), intended use of loan, and subsequent
vehicle registration. MFIs, rather than formal banks, are relevant to the informal working
population, as informal participants often do not meet the minimum prerequisites, i.e. land titles
as collateral, to qualify for formal credit. It must be noted that the age of the population applying
for loans differs from the recognized working population age such that the former measures only
those peoples of a minimum age of 18. The population applying for loans from MFIs increased
from 17% to 22% between the measureable years of 2009/2010 and 2012/2013; furthermore, out
of the loan applications in 2012/2013, 22% were branded as for the use of working capital
(“Uganda National”, 2014, pg. 102-103). Finally, as the proportion of loan applicants increases so
does the rate of vehicle registration. Between 2012 and 2013, vehicle registration experienced an
increase of about 38.7% (“Statistical”, 2014, pg. 54).
Overall, unemployment is increasing largely due to Uganda’s age distribution as well as the
decrease in formal employment opportunities. Resultantly, the prevalence of self-employment,
non-agricultural enterprises, working capital micro-credit applications, and vehicle registration are
all increasing. These growths translate into an expansion of the informal sector, diversification of
informal incomes, and, in particular, the dominance of the Boda trade.
6.2 INTERVIEWS
Other than one request to have his name printed in this report, all names have been removed
from interview findings and analysis. The interview participants represent individuals associated
with Boda-related intervention establishments, including the Boda Boda 2010 Association Limited
Uganda Central Division, Tugende, and the Wakabi phone application.
Accounting for differentiation in company terminology, the participants all agreed upon
general challenges to the Boda trade. These include the lack of alternate sources of employment,
little-to-no barriers to entry in the trade, social stigma, lack of knowledge of driving laws, financial
literacy or motorcycle maintenance, lack of enforcement of driving laws, lack of credit availability,
high collateral for credit, need for group support juxtaposed with the independent nature of Boda

riders, high competition resulting in decreased profits, perceived threat from the KCCA, extortion
from the police, high fuel costs, and the high risk associated with the industry.
In particular, the unavailability of credit loans leads Boda riders to rent motorcycles from
individuals, associations, or companies; consequently, they get caught in a “rental poverty trap”
(Tugende, personal communication, November 12, 2015), unable to pay off loans, own their
capital, nor increase their income due to dependence in their self-employment. In fact, participants
mentioned that some riders sell their land titles in order to gain capital to work and attempt to save
to buy the land back; however, it becomes more difficult to attain than to maintain land. Finally,
risks of the trade include high incidence of accidents; combined with Boda stigma, this works to
decrease the standards of the industry; customer pressure to encourage unsafe driving, refusal to
pay for the service, theft of motorcycles, and client injuring of the Boda rider. Due to the risky
nature and prevalence of accidents, health and capital insurances have high premiums in urban
areas and are rare in rural areas. These organizations, then, seek to use private initiatives to solve
public problems.
First, in speaking with the Boda Boda 2010 Association Limited Uganda Central Division,
services were listed as financial and capital loans, social support, and instruction in road safety and
health. The actions of the association were limited by their reliance on the central government for
support, in the form of capital donation and political representation. A primary aim of the
association is to bridge the gap between their informal workers and governmental powers in order
to have their voices heard and rights protected. The association, itself, contains five divisions
within Kampala, each representing a different section of the city and containing a full, specialized
administrative staff, thus the association, as a whole, acts as the largest informal regulatory agent
on the Boda trade. The capital loans account for 500 to 600 motorcycles per year that riders can
then pay off and own. Additionally, the loans act as a sort of social support or insurance,
particularly for family needs and health, as the largest support stems out of weekly road safety
seminars and the encouragement of AIDs awareness. Elements of social support include special
ambulances for Boda riders and aid with family funerals. The success of these interventions was
difficult to analyze, for survey and focus group findings, in later sections, fail to discern a clear
pattern, as the tools resulted in fluctuating results.
Second, Tugende is a private company with the aim of “helping specific people climb the
economic ladder” (Tugende, personal communication, November 12, 2015). Their business model

is double faceted, one to address the sustainability issues of Boda riders through empowerment
and the other to create a branded line of VIP Boda riders that are associated with safety and
reliability. In the first facet, Boda riders must complete the following formalities: application with
recommendations, safety classes, screening, payment installments, and then capital ownership.
Recommendations include those from current or previous Tugende members as to promote support
and connections within the company community. The training course relates road safety laws,
health motives for following the laws, i.e. wearing of helmets, prevention tactics for theft, and
financial literacy. Additionally, the safety of the motorcycles is improved with the use of metal
guards and helmets. Notably, Tugende was the only company, in Kampala, found to provide health
insurance to its riders, including a low-cost premium in the price of the capital for the first 12
months. In the second facet, Tugende VIP riders are those specifically invited to join a second
training program and given recognizable merchandise and business cards upon completion. These
riders promote accountability and responsibility, increasing the standards of the trade to counteract
social stigma and the threat of the KCCA. In addition, a driver directory is listed online in order to
further promote liability of the VIP riders.
The driving objective of Tugende is to “empower people to own assets from which to drive
their income” (A. Mwenda, personal communication, November 19, 2015). Andrew Mwenda, a
director and advisor to Tugende, promotes the private initiative of the company, for he declared
ownership as the key to responsibility within the trade, citing that only three minor road accidents
had occurred in the previous month out of the company’s 1500 riders. Compared to the general
ratio of 50% of road accidents in Kampala involving Bodas (Tamala & Wamono, 2010, pg. 6),
Tugende’s efforts appear significant. In fact, he continued to assert that these private interventions,
such as Tugende, are necessary to the empowerment of the informal sector, for governmental
policy changes would prove ineffective in the absence of the destruction of the old centers of power
(A. Mwenda, personal communication, November 19, 2015). Thus public problems require the
use of private solutions in the context of Kampala’s informal sector.
Third, the aim of the Wakabi application differs from the above-mentioned organizations.
It should also be noted that the association and Tugende both work in Kampala while Wakabi is
still in its start-up phase to take place in more rural settings; however, its approach to Boda
sustainability is relevant in the analysis of private interventions. Wakabi is an SMS-based
application to connect Boda Boda with enterprises, such as small farmers and other entrepreneurs,

to address issues of “last mile distribution”, the inability of microenterprises and small farms to
move product due to lack of transport availability and affordability (Wakabi, personal
communication, November 13, 2015). The application will provide support to both clients and
transport suppliers, as it works to improve current distribution channels while simultaneously
providing Boda riders with a sense of formalization, training, start-up capital of two helmets and
a reflection jacket, and a small group of repeat clientele. Working as a social enterprise, and not a
charity, Wakabi hopes to raise the standards of the Boda industry through increased accountability,
i.e. brand recognition, safety standards, and rider accountability, through the use of a one to five
rating system by clients.
Wakabi differs from the other Boda-related organizations, as it requires all members to
have already acquired experience within the trade and does not offer large capital loans. Instead,
the “brand depends on the quality of the rider” (Wakabi, personal communication, November 13,
2015). As of now, the business model bases Boda acceptance on recommendations, asking the
elected chairmen of relevant Boda stages to recommend their three to five best drivers, requiring
alternate social recommendations, and finally asking for a sign-off by a member of the Local
Council, a low tier of the Ugandan decentralized government, in order to ensure high driving
standards.
However, factors of Boda business mortality are planned to be addressed through road
safety training courses, streamlining contact between Boda and the police to build better relations
between the two and counteract theft, giving capital under contract to work for Wakabi, and
payments of a weekly flat fee thus formalizing the trade as wage employment without restricting
incomes under a per-ride fee. Additionally, as the application is still in its beginning phases, no
health insurance contracts have been formed, but plans for a cost-effective in-house insurance are
under consideration to counteract high insurance premiums and low availability in rural areas. To
offset the challenge of customer pressure and theft, Boda riders will be trained to seek out social
support and raise safety standards by insisting that both rider and passenger wear their helmets.
Most importantly, “the riders need to all be on the same page as a collective voice of change”
(Wakabi, personal communication, November 13, 2015).
The gaps within the Boda trade have yet to be answered by the central government, thus
private organizations, instead, work to address the issues of unsustainability. The challenges of
Boda riders cannot be addressed by capital loans, alone, as holistic approaches are required to

increase safety, financial literacy, and accountability. In particular, capital ownership has been
found to largely contribute to the responsibility and empowerment of the Boda rider.
Consequently, until transportation and unemployment gaps are adequately answered by the
government, private interventions act as the most efficient transitional solution towards the
informal regulation of Boda.
6.3 SURVEYS
Surveys were used to determine the average background qualifications and influences of
the Boda rider population within Kampala. Out of a sample of 57 returned and fully completed
surveys, the average age of a Boda rider was found to be 28.82 years, with a median of 29, mode
of 30, and a standard deviation of 5.13, indicating a high instance of youth participation within the
trade. Additionally, the age of the riders was more contextualized with the distribution of years of
commercial experience within the Boda trade. The average years of Boda experience was found
to be 3.53 years, with a median of 3, mode of 2, and standard deviation of 3.08.
Ownership of capital, as before mentioned in the interview findings, plays a key role in the
sustainability of Boda, thus the ratio of Boda riders who rent verses own their capital was
measured, with discouraging results (see Appendix 10.I, Figure 1). Only 19% of the Boda riders
bought and own their motorcycles, while 81% remain renting. For those renting, then, the follow-
up question involved the length of the payment installment schedule of when the rider expected to
pay off his loan and gain ownership. 9% of the Boda riders renting their motorcycles did not have
an expected contract termination time frame. From the riders who provided payment installment
schedules, the mean number of years until ownership was 1.87, with a median of 3, mode of 2, and
standard deviation of 0.76 years. Additionally, as finding an individual to rent capital from stands
as one of the only barriers to entry within the trade, the proportion of riders who used loans for
their Boda activities was measured, finding that 77% did not use any loans, 7% received loans
from MFIs, 11% from Savings and Credit Co-Operatives (SACCOs), and 5% used formal bank
loans.
The influences of entering the Boda trade was measured through open-ended questions,
where the results were evaluated for frequency analysis of responses thus quantifying the
qualitative data (see Appendix 10.I, Figure 2). Reasons for entering the trade were described as
20% little-to-no barriers of entering the trade, 19% need for a source of income, 18% could not
find another job, 12% listed Boda as the most available or manageable option, 9% out of a desire

to enter the trade, and 7% as a means for personal development or a means of rising above poverty.
Other responses, accounting for 15% of influences, included time as a factor, family needs, the
attractiveness of self-employment, friend influences, and the desire to gain business knowledge
and experience. It should be noted that out of those who declared Boda as the “most available”
option, 81% of them specifically cited education, or lack thereof, as a key reason. The distribution
of education level, then, is relevant to the demographics of the Boda trade (see Appendix 10.I,
Figure 3). Defined as highest level of education completed, findings reported that 2% of riders had
received no formal education, 42% primary school, 51% secondary school (about equivalent to
high school), 4% completed O-level (secondary school exam), and 1% completed A-level (highest
level of secondary school exam). No riders listed university enrollment or completion.
Concerning involvement in the economic sector, 28% of riders claimed participation in
other businesses or wage-employment while a majority of 72% listed Boda as their only source of
income. There was no significant ratio of whether Boda was the most profitable or not. Out of
those who listed multiple income sources, 44% declared Boda as the more profitable while the
other 56% relied more heavily on their other commercial activities.
The benefits of participation within the Boda trade (as shown in Appendix 10.I, Figure 4),
were listed, in order of frequency, as 35% ability to care for family and meet family needs, 24%
ability to build a livelihood, including in some cases the buying of land or cars, building of houses,
and the development of business knowledge, 15% aid in day-to-day life matters, such as the
purchase of food and other necessities, 11% source of income, 6% friendships, and 4% self-
employment, rather than working under the pressure of a boss. Other listed items, accounting for
5% of benefits, comprised of gaining a driving permit and the ability to save money.
Next, survey participants provided quantifiable figures accounting for the extent of their
participation within the trade. Thus, the average profit per day was found to be 14833.3 Uganda
shillings, or about 4.47 U.S. dollars. Median, mode, and standard deviation were found to be 10000
shillings (about $3.01), 10000 shillings, and 11041.9 shillings (about $3.33) respectively (“XE
Currency”, 2015). The daily profits were contextualized with the measurement of working hours
per day. Average hours worked per day was 10.48, with a median, mode, and standard deviation
of 10, 10, and 1.94 respectively. Furthermore, working hours does not account for actual profit, as
time waiting for customers at Boda stages does not increase income, thus average passengers per
day was measured as 21.93. Median, mode, and standard deviation were found to be 20, 20, and

25.57 respectively. The standard deviation was very high, as data contained a wide range of values,
from as few as 8 passengers per day up to 200. The difference in daily passengers can be accounted
for by the proportion of Boda riders willing to take more than one passenger on his motorcycle at
a time. 51% of riders admitted to taking multiple passengers at once, while 49% rejected the
practice.
The sustainability of Boda cannot be measured by profit alone but also by the use of those
profits, thus participants were asked to list their average savings per week, if any. The average
weekly savings was 38590.9 Uganda shillings (about $11.65), while the median, mode, and
standard deviation were 30000 shillings (about $9.06), 30000 shillings, and 30185.9 shillings
(about $9.11) respectively (“XE Currency”, 2015). The large standard deviation accounts for the
fact that some participants listed an inability to save money at all from their profits. Noteworthy,
is the fact that inability to save was not listed as a major contribution to Boda-related challenges.
Instead, relevant challenges (see Appendix 10.I, Figure 5) were cited as 25% accidents, 21% bad
customers and theft, 16% traffic, 11% social stigma and lack of respect, 8% safety concerns and
vulnerability, 5% police harassment, and 3% government limitations and KCCA discrimination.
Remaining factors, accounting for 11% of challenges, included road infrastructure, mechanical
problems, and high cost of renting capital.
As Boda associations act as one of the largest private mediators, the proportion of riders
affiliated and non-affiliated was measured, finding that 86% of participants were members of
associations while only 14% worked independently. This large incongruity accounts for research
reliance on association-affiliated participants in later sections, i.e. in focus groups, for non-
affiliated participant accessibility was difficult. Additionally, independently working Boda
participants reflect a sample size that was too small to represent a control for analyzing the Boda
population. Benefits of being an association member, then, were measured (see Appendix 10.I,
Figure 6). Frequently mentioned benefits included 27% availability of loans through the
association, 19% security or a form of social insurance, 16% general welfare, 14% aid with family
matters, such as with funeral arrangements, and 11% forming of friendships. The last 13% of
responses included gaining business knowledge, identification cards, driving permits, increase in
customers, and the improvement of driving behavior.
Data from the surveys was then compared to focus group findings. In particular,
incongruences were telling between survey results and the Wandegeya focus group, as, while

mentioned challenges were similar, success within the trade and benefits of the trade differed
drastically. Surveys acted as a larger sample of participants, thus it was not surprising that the
opinions of the focus group were reflected; however, their qualitative responses tended to fit in
with the responses of the lowest frequencies.
6.4 FOCUS GROUPS
In the first focus group, a convenience sample of 5 Boda riders at the Wandegeya stage,
the distribution of years of experience as a Boda rider contained a mean of 4.6, median of 3, and
mode of 3. Answers were largely negative and contradictory. All riders cited the lack of alternate
job opportunities and economic need as the main reason of entering the Boda trade, classifying it
as the job one ends up with when one “fails to get a job” (Wandegeya riders, personal
communication, November 25, 2015). Only one participant had an alternate source of income as a
part-time mechanic, although less profitable than his Boda profits. Not only did they declare
themselves Boda riders by necessity, but they related the fact that they all continued to look for
alternate employment and hoped to change professions within the year.
Benefits were listed as independence, driving for oneself, being self-employed, not
working under the pressure of a boss, and earning small amounts of money to pay rent, build
houses, and care for families. However, the beneficial statements were all contradicted, as all of
the participants admitted to renting their motorcycles from an individual, acting as their boss, and
cited an inability to save money from their profits. When asked when they would stop renting their
capital, participants alluded to the fact that ideally a rider would pay off their loans in small
installments after one year to either an individual, company, or association; however, none would
offer a personal time frame, questioning the validity of the paying-off schedule. Additionally,
concerning saving ability, opinions ranged from having to live hand-to-mouth, saving as an
impossibility, saving as difficult but feasible, and saving as only feasible occasionally; from those
savings, participants alleged that they only could afford just enough to provide food, and no other
necessary services, for their families. General challenges of the Boda trade were agreed as
perceived threat of the KCCA trying to chase Boda riders out of the city, the lack of permanent
Boda stages, client theft of motorcycles, lack of road recognition from other vehicles, and high
risk of accidents. One participant out of the five admitted to having participated in an accident in
the past.

All participants were members of the Boda 2010 Association, thus the researcher inquired
of any association-related solutions to the above-mentioned challenges. Noted association benefits
included the availability of road safety seminars, social insurance, an ambulance for riders and
health support, identification cards for increased security, and loans for aid with buying plots of
land. First, each rider is required to attend two road safety seminars; however, many admitted to
only going to one. The identification cards were listed as both a benefit and challenge of being a
member of an association, for, without one, the association would take possession of the
motorcycle as part of a campaign to increase vehicle registration and driving permits. Finally,
credit for land purchase was mentioned as a large benefit of association-affiliation, as one
participant proudly indicated to his current involvement in the process of purchasing a plot of land
to build a house.
In the second focus group, however, results differed greatly, as participants cited numerous
positive factors of working as a Boda rider and subsequent financial success. The group contained
5 Boda riders of the Tugende company, randomly selected from Boda stages in and around
Kampala, one of which was a member of the Tugende VIP program. The distribution of years of
experience as a Boda rider contained a mean of 8.2, median of 7, and mode of 7, where all
participants except for one had been Boda riders before joining Tugende. Influences for entering
the Boda trade were similar, as participants listed the lack of other available options,
unsustainability of alternate informal employment, perceived inability to manage another form of
employment, need for a source of income, desire for financial security, and Boda as the quickest
and most available method to fulfill family needs, including food, medical services, school fees,
and family status.
Cited benefits of the Boda trade were numerous and overwhelmingly enthusiastic,
including the ability to pay rent or buy land without financial strain, caring and providing for
families, using Boda experience to become entrepreneurs in other departments, learning the layout
of Kampala, increased confidence and self-worth, financial stability, ability to send their children
to good private schools. In fact, two contributors praised the Boda trade for their personal
empowerment in entrepreneurial ability, as they copied certain aspects of the Tugende business
model, combined with their financial literacy training, to build other successful businesses to
support their families. Participants had applied to Tugende in order to own their own bodas,
become independent, and increase their incomes.

Challenges all related to vulnerability on the road and to clients, i.e. theft, customers who
do not pay the agreed-upon price, accidents, reckless drivers, traffic police harassment, and traffic
jams, but two participants asserted that they faced no challenges in their line of work. Answers
between the two focus groups differed the greatest on the topic of saving, for all participants in the
Tugende group claimed to be able to save a secure amount each week. Weekly savings contained
a mean of 70000 Uganda shillings (about $21.12), median of 60000 (about $18.10), and mode of
50000 shillings (about $15.08) despite home responsibilities, sending money to their extended
families, variation in weather, and fluctuating strength of the shilling (“XE Currency”, 2015).
Finally, in evaluating the effectiveness of Tugende’s interventions, the researcher inquired
of the benefits and challenges of being a member of the company. Benefits were listed as gaining
new start-up capital, cultivating friendships with staff, increased clientele with brand recognition,
social support, increased business and financial knowledge, generally improved status of living,
financial empowerment, life insurance, ability to fight stigma against the Boda trade, safety classes
resulting in improved road behavior, company regulations that account for Boda rider health, i.e.
strict end work times at 9 pm, decreased pressure associated with set time payment time frame,
and affiliation with a brand associated with responsibility, decreasing police harassment.
Concerning challenges, four participants had nothing to contribute, and the last mentioned the
company’s terms and conditions for its riders that restrict their driving time and possible earnings.
One term is that a rider is prohibited from exceeding a certain mileage from his Boda stage in order
to reduce long distance risks of accidents and theft interception.
The sustainability of the Tugende Boda riders was much greater than those of the Boda
2010 Association. Influencing factors of the difference could include the private company’s
holistic approach to meeting a variety of Boda challenges, financial literacy classes, social support,
capital ownership, and brand recognition. The brand name, itself, adds value of increased repeat
clientele, reduction of stigma, and reduction of police harassment. It appears that capital or credit
loans, alone, are not enough to fill the gaps within the trade; rather, a loan on its own in some cases
results in a form of a renting cycle, where riders are unable to pay off and own their motorcycles
and increase their incomes.
7.0 CONCLUSION
The unsustainability of the Boda trade largely stems out of Boda riders’ lack of access to
credit, capital ownership, and business knowledge. Additionally, systematic obstructs, such as

unemployment, education inequality, road infrastructure, stigma, and social and political
vulnerability contribute to their economic marginalization. Bodas exist in a duality of stigma as a
marginal employer juxtaposed against their ability to fill the public transportation gap and provide
political capital.
Private interventions have the capacity to alleviate Boda-related challenges if devised in a
holistic manner. Tugende, for instance, creates informal regulation within the trade and raises the
standards of the informal sector by empowering Boda riders through capital ownership,
educational courses, health insurance, and by rebranding them as responsible, reliable, and
accountable. These organizational initiatives, though, act merely as short-term transitional
solutions. Long-term adjustments must branch from changes and implementation of governmental
policies. Policy implementation is required to ensure the rights of Boda riders in participating
within the economic sector.
8.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
Central government interventions are recommended in the following three fields: education,
financial accessibility, and infrastructure. First, to counteract the skills gap within the labor force,
special focus should be placed on training and preparing the youth in the skills that are largely
needed within the different economic sectors, diversifying the availability of services. Formal
driving education is recommended as well as sensitization of driving safety to increase the
standards of commercial transportation. Additionally, financial literacy training is estimated to
improve the sustainability of the informal sector. Further sensitization of Boda riders and the
informal sector for the public would benefit the Boda trade with collective support and attitudinal
changes to reduce stigma.
Along the lines of economic mediations, the government could encourage financial
institutions, such as banks and MFIs, to provide credit and assistance to people below certain
income levels; this can be achieved through the use of subsidies or quotas. Similarly, as MFIs
contribute challenges to the development of the informal sector, i.e. high collateral, high interest
rates, short loan lifetime, and small lines of credit that must be incrementally increased over years
in order to afford the necessary capital for informal trades, an asset capital bank could be
developed. Similar to the business model of Tugende, rather than give credit loans to assist in the
purchase of capital, such banks could loan the capital to be paid off in installments.

Finally, in the field of infrastructure, recommendations include the enforcing of current road
safety and vehicle and driver registration laws, improving roads, paving more roads, increasing
and diversifying the supply of public transportation, and dedicating specific traffic lanes to public
transportation. The implementation of road safety policies should work to additionally bridge the
gap between police forces and transportation suppliers.

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10.0 APPENDICES
10.A CONSENT FORM ENGLISH
CONSENT FORM
The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors of microenterprise survival in the informal
business sector, using boda bodas as a case study. All names will be kept anonymous in the study
as to protect the rights of the interviewees. There is little-to-no risk in participating in this study,
as standards of privacy, anonymity, and confidentiality will be upmost maintained.
My name is Natalie Clements, and I am a student at SIT World Learning, studying Development
in Uganda. If you have any questions regarding the study or wish to receive a summary of results,
then you can contact me at nacle001@mail.goucher.edu.
1. Rights Notice
In an endeavor to uphold the ethical standards of all SIT ISP proposals, this study has been
reviewed and approved by a Local Review Board or SIT Institutional Review Board. If at any
time, you feel that you are at risk or exposed to unreasonable harm, you may terminate and
stop the interview. Please take some time to carefully read the statements provided below.
a. Privacy - all information you present in this interview may be recorded and
safeguarded. If you do not want the information recorded, you need to let the
interviewer know.
b. Anonymity - all names in this study will be kept anonymous unless the participant
chooses otherwise.
c. Confidentiality - all names will remain completely confidential and fully protected by
the interviewer. By signing below, you give the interviewer full responsibility to uphold
this contract and its contents. The interviewer will also sign a copy of this contract and
give it to the participant.
_________________________ _____________________________
Participant’s name printed Participant’s signature and date
_________________________ _____________________________
Interviewer’s name printed Interviewer’s signature and date

10.B CONSENT FORM LUGANDA
FOOMU EKKIRIZA
Ekigendererwa ky’okusoma kuno kwekunoonyereza ensonga eziyimirizawo obulimu
obutonotono mu bakozi ba bizinensi, nga nkozesa boda bodas nga ekyokulabirako. Amannya
gona gajja kukuumibwa nga gakyama mu kusomo kuno okusobola okukuuma eddembe lya
bonna banaakwetabamu. Tewali buzubu bwonna bwojja kufuna mu kwenyiigira mu kusoma
kuno, kubanga emitendera gy’okukuuma ebyama, okukweka amannya g’abantu,bijja
kukuumibwa butiribiri.
Erinnya lyange nze Natalie Clements, ndi muyizi mu SIT World Learning,nsoma
ebyenkulakulana mu Uganda. Oba olina ebibuuzo ebikwatagana ku kusoma kuno oba
wandiyagadde okufuna ebikuvuddemu mu bufunze osobola okuntuukirira ku
nacle001@mail.goucher.edu.
2. Eddembe lyo.
Okusobola okukuuma omutindo gw’empisa eza SIT ISP proposals, okusoma kuno
kwekenyerezebwa era ne kukakasibwa ekibiina ekya wano oba SIT Institutional Review
Board.singa essaawa yonna, owulira nga Obulamu bwo buli mu katyabaga oba oyinza
okutuusibwako obulabe, osobola okuyimiriza okubuuziba ebibuuzo. Twala akaseera osome
n’obwegendereza ebiwandiikiddwa wansi.
d. Okukuuma ebyama – byonooyogera mu kubuuzibwa ebibuuzo bijja kukwatibwa ku
katambi era bijja kukuumibwa bulungi nnyo. Bwoba toyagala bikwatibwe ku
katambi, olina okumanyisa abuuza ebibuuzo.
e. Obutayogera mannya – amaanya gonna mu kusoma kuno gajja kukuumibwa nga
gakyama okujjako nga abuuzibwa ebibuuzo asazewo bulalal.
f. ekyama – amannya gonna gajja kukuumibwa nga gakyama era gajja kukuumibwa
abuuza ebibuuzo. Okuteeka omukono gwo wansi, owa abuuza ebibuuzo
obuvunanyizibwa obujjuvu okukuuma endagaano eno n’ebigirimu. Abuuza ebibuuzo
naye ajja kuteeka omukono gwe ku ndagaano eno era aweeko gwagenda okubuuza
ebibuuzo kopi.
_________________________ _____________________________
Erinnya ly’agenda okubuuzibwa, ekinkumu n’ennaku z’omwezi
_________________________ _____________________________
Erinnya ly’agenda Okubuuza ebibuuzo, ekinkumu n’ennaku z’omwezi.

10.C DESCRIPTION OF INTERVIEWS
Date Time Location Interviewee/Company Subject Included
in
Interview
Schedules
October
29, 2015
10 –
10:30
AM
S.I.T. office,
Kampala
Makerere University
professor
Research
logistics
No
October
30, 2015
11 –
11:45
AM
Boda Boda 2010
Association
Limited Uganda
Central Division
office, Kampala
Boda 2010
Association
Structure and
function of
the
association
No
November
4, 2015
11 AM
– 12:15
Ministry of
Finance,
Planning and
Economic
Development
office, Kampala
Ministry of Finance,
Planning and
Economic
Development
Directorate Economic
Development Policy
and Research
Research
logistics;
secondary
data
No
November
5, 2015
4 –
4:30
PM
Boda Boda 2010
Association
Limited Uganda
Central Division
office, Kampala
Boda 2010
Association
Challenges to
the Boda
trade
Yes
November
12, 2015
2 – 3
PM
Tugende office,
Kampala
Tugende Structure and
function of
Tugende;
challenges to
the Boda
trade
Yes
November
13, 2015
11 AM
- 12
S.I.T. office,
Kampala
Wakabi Structure and
function of
Wakabi;
challenges to
the Boda
trade
Yes
November
16, 2015
10 AM
– 12:30
Tugende office,
Kampala
Focus Group of
Tugende Boda riders
Challenges
and benefits
of Boda
Yes
November
16, 2015
4 –
4:45
PM
Boda Boda 2010
Association
Limited Uganda
Central Division
office, Kampala
Boda 2010
Association survey
distributor
Follow-up on
association
function and
survey
logistics
No

November
19, 2015
9 – 10
AM
The Independent
office, Kampala
Andrew Mwenda Private
solutions
Yes
November
25, 2015
10 –
10:30
AM
S.I.T. office,
Kampala
Mixed Boda Rider
survey distributor
Survey
logistics
No
November
25, 2015
12:30 –
1 PM
Boda Boda 2010
Association
Limited Uganda
Central Division
office, Kampala
Boda 2010
Association survey
distributor
Survey
logistics
No
November
25, 2014
12:30 –
1 PM
S.I.T. office,
Kampala
Wandegeya Focus
Group
Challenges
and benefits
of Boda
Yes

10.D SELECT INTERVIEW SCHEDULES
Boda Boda 2010 Association Limited Uganda Central Division
1. How many Boda Boda riders do you have in this association?
2. What are the services you provide the Boda Boda riders?
3. What are the association’s biggest benefits and challenges?
4. Where does the association’s funding come from?
5. Do you hold road safety seminars? If yes, how often?
6. Why should a Boda Boda rider join an association and pay fees rather than work alone?
7. If someone acts contrary to the values of the association (i.e. theft, unsafe driving, poor
hygiene, etc.), how does the association address the issue?
Andrew Mwenda, founder and owner of The Independent, director and advisor of Tugende
1. In reading some of your writing (tweets, “The Pathologies of Ugandan Democracy”), you
seem to be against Boda riders in general, why are you so involved in Tugende?
2. Is Tugende the short-term solution to unemployment and transportation gap?
3. How can the solutions that Tugende uses be translated for the rest of the informal sector?
4. Is it possible to fix the transportation gap and unemployment rate without rewriting
Uganda’s political system?
5. Do you have any policy recommendations for the informal sector (economic and social)?
6. Is it reasonable to expect a change in infrastructure or access to credit in the near future?
Tugende
1. Is Boda Boda the answer to unemployment? Transportation gap?
2. Is Tugende the solution to unsustainable informal microenterprises, or does it work to aid
the current situation (short-term solutions)?
3. What challenges continue to exist for riders upon completing the Tugende program?
4. What is the Tugende success rate? Failure rate?
5. How does this solution translate for the rest of the informal sector?
6. Would it be possible to set up a focus group with Tugende drivers?
Wakabi Application
1. The Wakabi program addresses issues of small entrepreneurs, farmers, and social
entrepreneurs, how does it aid the boda boda drivers?

2. How does a driver get involved in this program? Road safety tests? Interviews?
3. Are there any resources (classes, credit) available for the drivers?
4. For the businesses that would be using this app (largely informal), do you think the app
addresses the largest contributor to unsustainability (transport)?
5. How do you see this program evolving in the future in terms of government support (ideal
or actual)?

10.E BODA SURVEY ENGLISH
Boda Boda Survey Questionnaire
The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors of microenterprise survival in the informal
business sector, using boda bodas as a case study. All names will be kept anonymous in the study
as to protect the rights of the interviewees. There is little-to-no risk in participating in this study,
as standards of privacy, anonymity, and confidentiality will be upmost maintained.
My name is Natalie Clements, and I am a student at SIT World Learning, studying Development
in Uganda. If you have any questions regarding the study or wish to receive a summary of results,
then you can contact me at nacle001@mail.goucher.edu.
1. Name and contact information:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. Age: __________________
3. Highest level of education completed: _________________________________________
4. Household size: __________________________________________________________
5. Number of years as a Boda Boda rider: _______________________________________
6. Did you buy or are you renting your motorcycle? ________________________________
7. If renting, will you at some point own your motorcycle? If yes, how long will you have to
make payment for before you own it?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
8. Did you use a loan from any of the following to obtain the motorcycle: Savings and
Credit Co-operation (SACCO), Micro-Finance Institution (MFI), or a bank. If yes, please
specify which one.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
9. Are you a member of a boda boda association? Why or why not? If yes, which one?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

10. (Skip this question if you answered no to the above question.) What are the benefits of
being a member of an association?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
11. Do you have any other jobs or businesses? If so, what are they? Which business is the
most profitable?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
12. How much profit do you make a day from driving the boda boda?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
13. How many hours do you work as a Boda Boda rider a day? ________________________
14. How many passengers do you usually drive per day? _____________________________
15. Do you ever take more than one passenger at a time? _____________________________
16. Why did you decide to become a Boda Boda rider?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
17. What do you think the benefits are of being a Boda Boda rider?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

18. What do you think the challenges are of being a Boda Boda rider?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
19. Are you able to save money from your boda boda profits? If yes, how much are you able
to save a week?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

10.F BODA SURVEY LUGANDA
Ebibuuzo ebinoonyereza ku Boda Boda
Ekigendererwa kyo kusoma kuno kwe kunoonyereza ensonga eziyimirizaawo obulimu
obutonotono , nga nkozesa Boda Boda nga ekyokulabirako. Amannya gonna gajja kukuumibwa
nga gakyama mu kusoma kuno okusobola okukuuma eddembe lyabo ababuuzibwa ebibuuzo.
Tewali buzibu bwonna bwojja kufuna olw’okwenyigira mu kusoma kunno,kubanga emitendera
egy’okukuuma ebyama,obutalaga maanya g’abantu,bijja kukuumibwa butiribiri.
Erinnya lyange nze Natalie Clements,ndi muyizi mu SIT World Learning, nga nsoma
ebyenkulakulana mu Uganda. Bwoba olina ebibuuzo ku kusoma kuno oba wandiyagadde
okufuna ebikuvuddemu mu bufunze, osobola okuntuukirira ku nacle001@mail.goucher.edu.
1. Erinnya n’ebikufaako:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. Emyaka: __________________
3. Eddaala ly’obuyigirize : _________________________________________
4. Obungi bw’abantu bo beera nabo:
__________________________________________________________
5. Emyaka gyovugidde Boda Boda: _______________________________________
6. Wagigula oba opangisa pikipiki eno? ________________________________
7. Bwoba ogipangisa, onaagulayo eyiyoo? Oba yee, kinaakutwalira banga ki okusasula
okufuna eyiyo?
________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
8. Wafuna ebanja okuva mu emu ku zino okufuna pikipi: Savings and Credit Co-operation
(SACCO), Micro-Finance Institution (MFI), oba Banka. Oba yee, mbuulira eri wa?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
9. Oli memba wa kibiina ekitwala abavuga boda boda? Lwaki oba lwaki nedda? Oba yee,
kibiina ki?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

10. (Buuka ekibuzo kino bwo wazemu nedda ku kibuuzo ekyawagulu.) birung ki byofuna mu
kubeera memba mu kibiina ekyo?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
_________________
11. Olinayo emilimu emirala oba bizinensi? Oba yee, mirimu ki oba bizinensi ki? Bizinenzi
ki esinga okukola amagoba?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
_________________
12. Mu lunaku okola magoba ammeka mu kuvuga boda boda?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
___________________________
13. Okola essaawa mmeka nga ovuga Boda Boda mu lunaku? ________________________
14. Otera kuvuga abantu bammeka mu lunaku? _____________________________
15. Otera okuttika abantu abassuka kw’omu? _____________________________
16. Wasalawo otya okufuuka omuvuzi wa Boda Boda?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________
17. Birungi ki by’ofuna mu kuvuga Boda Boda?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

18. Bisoomoza ki byosanze mu kuvuga Boda Boda?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
19. Osobodde okutereka ku magoba g’ofuna mu kuvuga boda boda? Oba yee, osobola
kutereka sente mmeka mu wiiki?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

10.G TUGENDE FOCUS GROUP INTERVIEW GUIDE
1. Why did you decide to become a Boda Boda rider? What factors influenced your decision?
2. Do you benefit from being a Boda Boda rider? Why or why not?
3. What are the challenges to this line of work?
4. Can you support yourself and your family on the profits from driving your boda boda
alone?
5. Do you have any other jobs or businesses? If yes, what are they? Which one is the most
profitable?
6. Are you able to save money from the boda boda profits? If so, what are your average
weekly savings?
7. What do you spend most of the money on (housing, school fees, sports betting)?
8. What are the benefits of being a member of Tugende?
9. What are the challenges of being a member of Tugende?
10. Were you a Boda Boda rider before you joined Tugende?
11. How long have you been a Boda rider?
12. Why did you join Tugende?

10.H WANDEGEYA BODA RIDER FOCUS GROUP INTERVIEW GUIDE
1. Why did you decide to become a Boda Boda rider? What factors influenced your decision?
2. Did you receive formal driving education?
3. Do you benefit from being a Boda Boda rider? Why or why not?
4. What are the challenges to this line of work?
5. Can you support yourself and your family on the profits from driving your boda boda
alone?
6. Do you have any other jobs or businesses? If yes, what are they? Which one is the most
profitable?
7. Are you able to save money from the boda boda profits? If so, what are your average
weekly savings?
8. What do you spend most of the money on (housing, school fees, sports betting)?
9. Do you have a bank account?
10. Do you think you will still be a Boda rider in a year? Why or why not?
Non-Association Specific Questions:
1. What are the benefits of not being a member of a Boda Boda Association?
2. What are the challenges of not being in a Boda Boda Association?
3. Do you want to someday join a Boda Boda Association? Why or why not?
Association-Specific Questions:
1. Have you attended a road safety seminar?
2. What are the benefits of being a member of a Boda Boda Association?
3. What are the challenges of being a member of a Boda Boda Association?
4. Have you ever received a loan from the association?
5. If someone acts contrary to the values of the association (i.e. theft, unsafe driving, etc.),
how does the association address the issue?

10.I LIST OF FIGURES
19%
81%
FIGURE 1: PROPORTION OF BODA RIDERS
WHO OWN OR ARE RENTING THEIR
MOTORCYCLE
Own Rent
9%
18%
19%
20%
12%
7%
15%
FIGURE 2: INFLUENCES TO BECOME A BODA
RIDER
Desire No other jobs
Income No barrier to entry
Most available job Save for personal development/Out of poverty
Other

2%
42%
51%
4%1%
FIGURE 3: HIGHEST EDUCATION LEVEL
COMPLETED
None Primary Secondary O-level A-level
15%
6%
11%
24%
35%
4%
5%
FIGURE 4: BENEFITS OF BEING A BODA RIDER
Help with daily life Friends
Income Personal development/Business knowledge
Family No boss
Other

16%
25%
21%
5%
8%
11%
3%
11%
FIGURE 5: CHALLENGES OF BEING A BODA
RIDER
Traffic Accidents Theft/Bad customers Police
Safety/Vulnerability Stigma/No respect Government/KCCA Other
14%
19%
11%
27%
16%
13%
FIGURE 6: BENEFITS OF BEING A MEMBER OF
AN ASSOCIATION
Family Insurance/Security Friends Loans Welfare Other

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