The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Moroto, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Joint security forces in the Karamoja sub-region have escalated operations to clamp down on unregistered motorcycles as part of measures to enhance security ahead of the Christmas season. Given Karamoja’s proximity to the Uganda-Kenya border, authorities perceive the region to be susceptible to security risks.
The security authorities have initiated an operation targeting unregistered motorcycles and those bearing foreign number plates operating in the region. Districts like Nakapiripirit, Amudat, Moroto, Kotido, and Kaabong are predominantly occupied by Kenyan motorcycles. Instances of motorcycles stolen from Kenya being sold in Karamoja have been reported.
Michael Longole, the Mt Moroto Regional Police Spokesperson, expressed concern about potential criminal activities anticipated within communities, with motorcycles potentially being used to facilitate crimes. He explains that there’s been a noticeable surge in accidents in major towns within the region, primarily attributed to unregistered motorcycles.
Longole highlighted the challenge of tracking these unregistered motorcycles involved in criminal activities, as they often vanish without records. He emphasized that cyclists using Kenyan motorcycles have disregarded advice regarding speed limits in public areas. Importantly, Longole clarified that the focus isn’t on criminalizing the use of foreign number plates but on verifying the authenticity of the motorcycle owners.
“We expect the motorcycles that will be running on our roads from Dec 20th, 2023 to Jan 6th, 2024 to have proper documents to avoid inconveniences,” Longole warned. Additionally, security forces have resumed cordon and search operations in Moroto municipality suburbs following a series of attacks in the past three weeks.
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