14 in detention over raid on Boda Boda 2010 offices

Police in running battles with boda boda operators who raided offices of Boda Boda 2010 and set property on fire on January 22, 2018. PHOTO BY ABUBAKER LUBOWA

Police are holding 14 suspects in connection to the attacks on the offices of Boda boda 2010 offices in different parts of Kampala and Wakiso Districts.
Police say they impounded 45 motorcycles during operation to curb the attacks.

Boda boda riders from rival factions raided the offices of Boda boda 2010 in Wakaliga, Katwe, Makindye, Natete, Nsangi and Kyengera among others on Monday and destroyed property.

They were celebrating the arrest of Abudallah Kitatta, the patron of Boda boda 2010, his brother Huzair Kiwalabye and 26 others for their alleged involvement in the kidnap and killing of Francis Ekalungar, the former accountant of Case Hospital on January 02, 2018.

Police spokesperson, Mr Emillian Kayima, says they were able to pick up 14 suspects and impounded 45 motorcycles in connection to the attacks. According to Mr Kayima, the attackers abandoned their motorbikes while running away from police officers.

"We hope to get the suspects who left their motorcycles behind so they can answer charges of mob justice. We are still investigating and we will soon find them,"Mr Kayima said.

Prior to the arrests, rival boda boda riders accused Kitatta and his team of mistreatment and torture. Kitatta was believed to be untouchable because of his connections to the Inspector General of Police, Gen Kale Kayihura.

Gen Kayihura has openly been quoted in the media thanking Boda boda 2010 for breaking the walk to work protests.