The locals and authorities in Kalisizo district are covered with fear as a result of the new trend of machete-wielding thugs who are targeting and stealing new motorcycles.
According to the locals, the machete-wielding thugs do not only steal the new motorcycles at night but also during the day, adding that once one is seen riding a new motorcycle, they are chased down by these suspected criminals and carry out the attack.
The locals added that the criminals are always moving three on a motorcycle patrolling through different areas for the new motorcycles.
Reports from locals in Kalisizo indicate that in just a month, more than eight motorcycles have been stolen in Kalisizo and the neighboring areas, which has raised fear within the locals.
During an interview with one of the survivors of this ordeal, identified as Mutumba on, on August 25, 2024, he revealed that the criminals carry the machetes in coats, and once they land on a rider with a brand new motorcycle, they attack and hack them, then steal the motorcycle.
Mutumba added that after stealing the motorcycle, the thugs always head to Kiwangala in Mbarara district, where the locals believe the new market for these motorcycles currently is.
”Recently, coffee growers in the villages sold off their coffee and now have money, which is why some of them bought these new motorcycles, but they cannot ride them freely due to fear of losing their lives, hence making them live in fear and anxiety,’’ Mutumba noted.
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He further said that once the machete-wielding thugs don’t only attack riders on the way but in their homes as well.
According to Julius Mujuni, the CID officer at Kalisizo Police Station, the police have done their best to curb this problem; however, they called for additional manpower from other security agencies because the problem has spiraled out of control.
Mujuni added that in 2023, this problem had escalated because out of 21 boda boda riders attacked, five of them would be killed, which calls for more support from other security agencies to curb the vice early.
‘’We as police have done our best to catch these criminals; however, it seems that the gang dealing in this business is bigger than we thought, hence why we need more help from other security agencies,’’ Mujuni disclosed.
He also urged all the riders of new motorcycles to be more vigilant and head home early.
