Many Boda-boda riders in Gulu District are reportedly experiencing marital breakdowns, with some attributing the rising divorce cases among members to the financial burden of repaying motorcycle loans.
Speaking to Favor FM, the chairperson of the Palaro Boda-boda association, Richard Ronald Oloka, says many riders struggle to balance loan repayments with meeting their families’ daily needs.
He adds that pressure is forcing some members to separate from their spouses to focus on clearing their debts due to fear of losing their motorbike to credit officers.
Oloka notes that riders who acquire motorcycles through credit schemes face high interest rates and heavy penalties for late repayments, making it difficult for them to improve their livelihoods.
He adds that the association’s SACCO has more than 520 registered members, but limited funds make it impossible to meet the growing demand for affordable loans.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner for Gulu district, Cosmas Okidi, advises the Boda-boda association leadership to submit a formal complaint to his office in order to enable them sanction credit institutions to explain their lending practices and cautioned where necessary.
By Martine Odong
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