Apac boda boda operators lose motorcycles to creditors

APAC-Some of the boda boda operators in Apac Municipality under the umbrella of Apac Boda-Boda Service Association [ABSA] have become jobless after lenders impounded the motorcycles they were riding to earn a living.

According to reports from various boda boda SACCOs in Apac Municipality, 10-20 motorcycles loaned to the riders are being impounded on a weekly basis by the lenders determined to recover their monies.

Jolly Joe Omara, a resident of Hospital and Around Cell in Akere Division says he took his savings to one of the companies that offer motorcycle loans as required and was given a bike. Omara however said even before paying his first installment, he was involved in an accident that left him unable to work for two weeks.

“I was still looking for money to repair the motorcycle when the officials from Tugende [company offering motorcycle loans] came into my house and collected the motorcycle. I gained nothing after taking the motorcycle loan. In fact, I lost Shs.2.5 million,” he said.

Vivian Akello a female boda boda rider and a member of Temogo Boda Boda SACCO said, “The motorcycle lenders are exploitative with tough conditions which are unfriendly to boda boda operators”.

She asked government to intervene by imposing policies to regulate motorbike lenders in the country.

Patrick Acam, the chairman Apac Boda Boda Service Association attributes this to the effect of famine which is still hitting hard many households in the area, “The sector is no longer making profits like before considering the hunger which is hitting hard many families leave alone the cost of fuel, “he said.

Jonathan Omara, another boda boda rider, said the business is currently not profitable due to high competition, leading to default in weekly installments.

However, Geoffrey Ocen, urged his fellow boda-boda operators to have financial discipline in order for them to progress in boda boda business.

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