Ugandan innovator creates shields for motorcycle taxis

In Uganda, motorcycles are a big part of the public transportation system, providing taxi service to their passengers. There are hundreds of thousands of these motorcycles, called boda-bodas, on the streets of Uganda.

However, due to the close proximity between the passengers and the drivers, the Ugandan government banned boda-bodas form taking passengers during the Covid-19. The drivers were only allowed to deliver goods, which caused a big decrease in business and many drivers found themselves struggling to make a living during this time.

To try to offer a solution for this problem, young inventor Dickson Ngirani created protective plastic shields that can be mounted on the motorcycles and separate the driver from the passengers. The inventor believes that this shield offers and efficient barrier to prevent contamination because it prevents the passenger from getting in direct contact with the driver. To add to the layer of protection provided by the shields, both drivers and passenger should also use a face mask and a fully covered helmet.

The invention has been very well received by boda-boda drivers, anxious to get back to work. The shields have been brought to the attention of Uganda’s Ministry of Works and Transport, which is analizing their safety and effectiveness.

Adapted from: https://www.voanews.com/africa/ugandan-creates-covid-shield-motorcycles