President Yoweri Museveni has decried the poor usage of roads in Uganda, majorly blaming taxi drivers and boda boda riders for the mischief.
Museveni, who was speaking at the 32nd NRM Liberation Day celebrations at Boma grounds in Arua, said he had received complaints regarding gross road indiscipline from some foreigners living and working in Uganda.
“If you are in Kampala and you see how recklessly the boda boda guys ride, and the taxi drivers drive you are now going to undermine our efforts to bring in more people to Uganda,” Museveni said, and instructed police to address the challenge in order to save the country’s image abroad.
“The police must insist on the proper road code,” he ordered, and cautioned drivers and motorcyclists against driving/riding on the pavement.
“Neither bodaboda nor anybody should drive on the pavement. The side walk is for pedestrians. That will enhance our reputation internationally that Uganda is safe,” Mr. Museveni said.
Mr. Museveni further Uganda is one of the most peaceful communities in the world, and that the few criminals are going to be eliminated.
The President also urged Ugandans to stop using imported goods in order to create market for locally produced goods.
“You are giving away jobs and money by buying clothes, cars, computers, mobile phone and others from other countries,” he said
“We Ugandans have a lot of wealth and we must not use our purchasing power to help others,” Museveni said.
Meanwhile, a total of 200 Ugandans received medals of different categories in recognition of the roles they played in the liberation and transformation of the country.
Notable among the people decorated was the Arua Municipality MP, Ibrahim Abiriga, Bishop Sabino Ochan Odoki, retired Bishop Dr Joel Samson Obetia, Brigadier Dick Olum and several other senior army officers.
