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Riders of Kenyan registered motorcycles are reportedly hiding in Bududa after a URA crackdown in Busia and Malaba
Mbale, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Dozens of Boda boda riders with Kenyan registered motorcycles from the border towns of Busia and Malaba have taken refuge in Bududa district following the crackdown by Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).
Many riders opt to buy and register their motorcycles in Kenyan where they are relatively cheaper. A motorcycle in Kenya costs Uganda Shillings 3.5 million compared to Shillings 4.85 million in Uganda.
URA has this year started impounding the Kenyan registered motorcycles for operating illegally inside Uganda’s territorial boundaries.
The implicated Boda boda riders are fined between sh300,000 and 600,000 to recover and register their impounded motorcycles. According to URA, there is an estimated 2000 Kenyan registered motorcycles operating illegally in Busia town alone.
The operations in both border towns have pushed the riders in the neighbouring Bududa district. Richard Khayemba, one of the riders of a Kenyan registered motorcycle from Malaba asked why URA is going after them at a time when they also want to get profit, better their families and take their children to school.
Another rider who preferred anonymity expressed dissatisfaction with URA and wondered why the operation is being conducted now yet they have been operating for some time without any problem.
Duncan Kakonge, URA manager in charge of Eastern region said they are aware that several riders have moved to other districts following their crackdown. He vowed to follow the riders wherever they are until they fully register their motorcycles.
Hilary Nuwahereza, the Bududa District Police Commander, says they intend to launch an operation to impound the motorcycles. He says they intend to see with URA to decide how and when to conduct the operations.
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