Francis Mawejje, a 30-year-old boda boda rider, has entered the race for Uganda’s presidency, aiming to challenge President Yoweri Museveni in the upcoming election with a vision to transform the nation.
Mawejje, a familiar face on Kampala’s bustling streets, emphasized the vital role of the boda boda industry, which he says powers roughly 80% of Uganda’s economy. However, he described it as a fragile system where millions of workers wake up unsure if they’ll earn enough to get by.
Unveiling his “Boda Boda Manifesto” at a lively press conference, Mawejje criticized Uganda’s economy for appearing to grow while being dragged down by widespread debt and poor management. He painted a stark picture of a country where desperation drives people to betting houses, taxpayers feel overlooked, and young talent flees abroad for better prospects. Those left behind, he noted, are often more focused on football debates than building a stronger nation.
The candidate didn’t shy away from addressing Uganda’s crumbling infrastructure and struggling public services. He pointed out that hospitals lack basic medicines, police and soldiers live in rundown housing, roads are poorly maintained, and government workers earn low wages. Mawejje insisted these issues stem not from a lack of wealth but from corruption and mismanagement.
Armed with a diploma in diplomacy, Mawejje laid out a clear seven-point plan to rebuild Uganda. His priorities include creating jobs for the youth, improving healthcare and schools, and shrinking the government by cutting the number of districts, constituencies, ministries, and agencies. He also promised constitutional changes, such as granting voting rights to Ugandans abroad and prisoners and reducing the president’s authority.
Mawejje called for an end to nearly four decades of rule by Museveni’s National Resistance Movement (NRM), urging voters to embrace a new generation of leadership. “Uganda is ready for change,” he declared, rallying support for his grassroots campaign.
As the election approaches, Mawejje’s bold bid is sparking conversations across the country, with many curious to see if a boda boda rider can steer Uganda toward a new future.
