The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Security agencies have warned boda boda riders to watch out when on night duties, as robberies and ambushes increasingly become common in the Kampala metropolitan area and other upcountry regions. This warning follows the arrest of eight suspected motorcycle robbers by the Directorate of Crime Intelligence (DCI), in collaboration with the Flying Squad and general duty police officers.
According to a report on motorcycle robberies in Kampala and other areas, particularly in Busoga, the robbers have taken to waylaying Boda boda riders, especially those using access routes and village paths, mostly during the nighttime. Flying Squad and DCI teams have reported that a number of bodaboda riders have been fatally attacked during nighttime, with some assaulted even in broad daylight.
Among the bodaboda riders killed in the Kampala metropolitan and Busoga regions are Moses Kiranga, Ben Wavamuno, and John Musinguzi. After tracking the movement patterns of these robbers, DCI and the Flying Squad initiated efforts to apprehend them, and the majority of the latest arrests have been made in the Busoga sub-region.
A DCI and Flying Squad report reveals that Kiranga was killed while carrying Samuel Isabirye, who sustained life-threatening injuries. “Wavamuno Ben was hit to death carrying his brother, Mumpya Mesach on motorcycle registration number UFR 907Y. The brother ran to a nearby farm and was taken to Kasokwe police post. The body of the victim was recovered with a deep wound on the forehead,” security reports read in part.
Security agencies further indicate that an operation was conducted at Irundu Trading Centre, where five stolen motorcycles were recovered. These included TVS Star UDD 154C, UDG 819W Star, and registration plates UDJ 003D and UDF 788N.
Nfaki David, the resident of the area, later revealed the identities of his accomplices, including Kenneth Lubega, Yusuf Kitimbo, Isma Dolio, and Solomon Nfaki. This quartet was found in possession of three motorcycle number plates, which included UAR 606C and UAR 897C.
“The operation was expanded to Kitimbo’s garage in Buyende, town council where three suspects namely Kitimbo James, (garage owner), Kireri Fred, a bodaboda rider of Nakabira stage, and Bulolo Alex were arrested. Two suspected stolen motorcycles under registration number UDT 387T and UET 381X were recovered,” the report further reads.
Fred Enanga, the police spokesperson, has cautioned bodaboda riders to exercise caution regarding their movement patterns and to avoid dark and secluded routes, especially during nighttime. Riders have also been advised against taking clients to distant areas off the main roads during nighttime hours.
“As we charge the eight suspects to court, we continue to caution bodabodas, about late-night road ambushes, by gangs targeting their bodabodas. The arrest of the criminal racket demonstrates our resolve to fight and counter criminal elements behind bodaboda attacks, robberies, and murders,” Enanga said.
In total, DCI and the Flying Squad have recovered seven suspected stolen motorcycles and an assortment of dismantled spare parts. Enanga added that Flying Squad teams have been deployed to various areas to apprehend all suspected motorcycle robbers.
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