Uganda’s leading motorbike transportation and delivery company, SafeBoda has today committed itself to leading the Boda Boda industry in observing COVID-19 regulations and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in light of a sharp increase in coronavirus infections in the last days.
“While Uganda has been a leading role model in the fight against the global pandemic with very low rates of disease transmission, COVID-19 cases are now increasing. As of Tuesday morning, August 25th, 2,362 cases and 22 deaths have been reported by our Ministry of Health. The Government has played an exemplary role in preventing the spread of the disease with high rates of testing, strong leadership on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and effective awareness campaigns for the population to reduce the risks of the pandemic spreading.” SafeBoda authorities said in a press statement that Campus Bee has obtained.
Re-assuring the public of their willingness to continue supporting government and stakeholders to fight the spread of the virus, SafeBoda reminded the people that their contribution to the fight against the pandemic hasn’t just started today since even in lockdown, they had been helping wherever they good. The company has been an active member of the Government Taskforce, working with the Ministry of Health, KCCA, Ministry of Works and Transport and private industry leaders to put in place logistics and transportation SOPs.
During the COVID-19 lockdown (from March), SafeBoda worked with United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) in an effort to support Uganda’s market vendors in Kampala using the SafeBoda App. SafeBoda allowed them to sell their goods online, and in the process increased their income and supported their families.
“Lockdown of key transportation was lifted for SafeBoda to provide vital safe mobility services to the people of Kampala on the 27th of July. Since then SafeBoda has helped move over half a million people across Kampala, enabling drivers to support their families in this extremely challenging time. Boda boda remains a lifeblood of the city both in terms of the service it provides and also in generating income for millions of Ugandans.” They further said, in the press release.
The beauty about SafeBoda is that with their app, riders don’t have to stress customers with books to write for contact tracing. SafeBoda observed that their app captures enough data of the customers to easily trace them incase there is need to reach out to contacts when one of them in the chain, tests positive. They have also assured Campus Bee that their riders have been trained in observation of the SOPs and use of sanitizers to kill the virus and protect clients.
As such, the company has announced the availability of free hand sanitizers for all SafeBoda drivers and appealed to the public to ensure they’re sanitized before and after their journey.
“As of Monday 24th of August, given the increase in cases in Kampala, SafeBoda has stepped up its support to help Uganda fight the virus. SafeBoda will provide free hand sanitizers to all SafeBoda drivers and increase sensitization of COVID-19 SOPs across the SafeBoda driver community. SafeBoda drivers can receive free hand sanitizers at the SafeBoda HQ in Kyebando and also via our trusted partner Shell, across their petrol stations in Ntinda, Makindye, Wandegeya, Lugogo.” The Company said.
Re-echoing their commitment towards helping reduce the spread of the virus in Uganda, SafeBoda observed that their supply of free sanitizers comes at a cost for SafeBoda, but the people’s livelihood matters most. In addition to that, they have committed to putting up hand washing centres across different boda boda stages in the city.
“SafeBoda was built on the values of safety and trust. COVID-19 presents us all with a challenge. By leveraging its technology, community and large customer following, SafeBoda is committed to helping reduce the spread of the virus in Uganda.” They concluded.