Uganda’s dictator President has shocked many people by banning Boda Bodas from using a new bridge in Jinja City.
Speaking during the official launch of the 525-metre long bridge, dubbed the source of the Nile Bridge, Museveni said that only motorists pedestrians will be allowed to use the bridge.
“The new bridge is only for vehicles and pedestrians. Boda bodas and cyclists should not use it. Use the old bridge.”
The decision has not gone down well with a majority of Ugandans, who mostly use Boda Bodas as their primary means of transport. It is estimated that there are more than one million motorbikes in the East African Country.
Mr. President, do you mean boda bodas & Cyclists do not pay taxes? In the democratic nation with no classes, all citizens have equal opportunity explore the national resources & wealth.
— Jay Jay Nationalist (@JayJayN7) October 17, 2018
Mr president i disagree with you on advising cyclists and motolists to use the old bridge b’cos this bridge expired some time back which means whoever uses it, is at risk
— Kalyowa Yusuf (@KalyowaY) October 18, 2018
The $112 million cable-stayed bridge was funded by a loan from the Japanese International Cooperation Agency.
Mr Masahisa Sato, the State Foreign Affairs Minister of Japan, was also present at the ceremony.
The President said that he was happy that the bridge had been completed within the stipulated time and that more than 67% of labor came from locals.
I have been informed that 67% of the technical staff were Ugandan engineers. The project has been completed within the cost, budget and almost the time framework of 48 months. I want to thank the contractors for successfully completing the project. pic.twitter.com/dih63NwfRD
— Yoweri K Museveni (@KagutaMuseveni) October 17, 2018
But a section of Ugandans say the whole project has been blown out of proportion.
[Nile Bridge] $125m Uganda
-4 lane dual highway
-525 meters long
-52.9 meters width[Napu bridge] $119m Shangai
– 6 lane highway
– 8,346 meters long
– 46 meters height[Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge] $79m LAGOS
– 4 lane dual highway
-1357 metres long
CORRUPT GOVERNMENT— Muwonge Daniel (@MuwongeDaniel5) October 18, 2018
Museveni, who has come under a lot of criticism in recent times especially from firebrand politician Bobi Wine said that it is the season of big projects in Uganda.
“We will soon unveil new projects like the hydro power dams.”