Boda boda riders in Bukomansimbi district have pinned police for being negligent and corrupt, which they said are the root causes of the rise of boda boda theft cases in the district.
The riders said that the theft cases are increasing because once these criminals are arrested by the police, they are released the very same day, which pushes them to commit more crimes.
These remarks were made on November 18, 2024, during a boda boda meeting in Serinya village, Butenga sub-county in Bukomansimbi district.
Fred Katumba, a boda boda rider at Kawoko stage and a resident of Serinya, revealed that on November 16, 2024, he parked his boda boda bajaj boxer registration number UFL 971H at a local tea kiosk as it was raining during the day. However, when it stopped, on going to check, it was nowhere to be found.
Katumba added that it was seen at a fuel station in Kawoko being driven and fueled by an unknown person who drove off with it.
“I feel so helpless because I had just finished paying off the loan for the motorcycle, and now it is gone,’’ he noted.
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In an interview with journalists, Engineer Kasekende, an area councilor in Butenga sub-county, disclosed that boda boda theft cases are on the rise due to police negligence and bribery, seeking arrest of criminals since boda boda riders might resort to mob justice.
“These thugs do not fear at all because even during the day, no matter the weather, they can attack you, forcefully take your boda boda, leave you in a critical condition, or kill you,’’ Kasekende reported.
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In March 2024, police reported multiple incidents involving boda boda riders, including four murders and several attempted murders. For example, on March 12, 2024, a 22-year-old rider identified as James Munyegena was attacked and left unconscious by thieves who stole his motorcycle. He later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges faced by boda boda riders in Bukomansimbi district, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures and community awareness to combat the rising tide of motorcycle theft and associated violence.
