Ride hailing app, SafeBoda has announced an initiative to provide food supplies to over 3000 of its SafeBoda drivers. This follows the presidential directive to halt public transport across the country as a result of the rising COVID-19 cases, which has heavily affected the income and livelihood of many SafeBodas.
Read: EXCLUSIVE: SafeBoda to review the new terms of use-Ricky Thompson speaks out
This initiative has been done in partnership with parties like Yuvraj TVS, to whom Ricky says SafeBoda is highly indebted. TVS contributed over 500 bags of 5kg maize flour to this cause. This donation activity was administered on 12th/July/2021 at the SafeBoda Academy in Kyebando where drivers were provided with a package of maize flour and beans for them and their families.
The donations have been done with strict observation of SOP’s. Riders are called in different groups to pick up their donation (food). This process will be done in the form of a drive through where there will be no physical contact between parties making sure all SOPs are observed. The SafeBoda is advised to leave as soon as he receives his package.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has left so many in our community struggling,” says Ricky Thomson Rapa, SafeBoda’s Co-Founder and Director. “When our people are affected, we also need to come in and help. This program will provide relief to the drivers who need it the most.”
He adds that the donations are part of SafeBoda’s commitment to its value proposition of safety and well-being to its community of both customers and drivers, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We shall continue to support our SafeBoda drivers in this trying moment. We urge everyone to keep observing the SOPs put in place to halt the spread of the virus.”
The popular hailing platform recently hit a 20k riders milestone in the company which is a record number and significant of its growth since it started. Riders have continued to benefit from the company since it provides a stable source of income by determining standard fares that customers have to pay for using the company’s services.
The company has also managed to change the public perception about boda bodas as many perceive most riders to be reckless. The company has since become popular for having respectable riders who follow safety rules and prioritize customer safety.
Additionally, Safeboda launched the Safe health campaign in partnership with the Ministry of Health, UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) and Rocket health in an event that was held on 27th January 2021 under the theme, “Opportunities and Challenges in selling health products on line.”
The Safe Health campaign was launched to increase access of a wide range of health products to people through the Safe Boda platform from a number of pharmacies around Kampala.