Gulu, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Forty-eight motorcycles have been stolen in Gulu city in the last two months, according to Gulu City West Boda Boda Association.
Emmy Ocen, the chairperson Gulu City West Boda Boda Association says that 33 motorcycles were stolen in December last year while 13 were stolen in January this year and none has been recovered to date.
According to Ocen, the 13 motorcycles stolen in January this year were all robbed by armed men disguising as customers or trailing and waylaying the riders during evening hours.
He added that three of the riders sustained gun wounds during a scuffle with their attackers while 10 surrendered their motorcycles in fear for their dear lives.
The latest cases recorded last week include those of Nickson Okullu (UFK 852G), Patrick Olweny (UFK 706F), Caesar Guna (UFF 438T), and Wilson Moro (UFJ 275C), and another with registration numbers UFK 722Y which were all robbed last week.
Leaders of the boda boda association say that most cases were reported along the Gulu-Pakwach road, Gulu-Nimule highway, and For-God parish.
George Tekkwo, the Gulu City West Boda-Boda Association Head of Security says that they have now advised their riders to desist from operating in the late evening hours and dangerous spots.
He added that they are greatly bothered by the new trend that the motorcycle thefts have taken against their victims.
At least 170 motorcycles were reportedly stolen from Gulu West last year.
David Ongom Mudong, the Aswa River Region Police Spokesperson advised the riders to desist from using non-busy routes , especially during “wrong” hours.
*****
URN