Boda boda cyclists attack police officers
Boda Boda cyclists pelt pedestrians, police officers and other motorists on Access Road in Kampala on Friday. At least 20 of them were arrested. PHOTO BY FAISWAL KASIRYE
What you need to know:
They accuse the law enforcers of extortion and impounding their bikes .
Boda boda cyclists operating around Access Road in Industrial Area in Kampala yesterday attacked police officers over the continued confiscation of their motorcycles.
They also accused the police of extorting money from them.
The morning incident temporarily brought business to a standstill along the surrounding streets following heavy deployment that led to the arrest of more than 20 cyclists.
According to the Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, Mr Ibin Ssenkumbi , the cyclists pelted the officers with stones before reinforcement was brought in.
“We are yet to establish the cause of the outburst but the situation is under control,” Mr Ssenkumbi said.
The cyclists argue that traffic officers have been irregularly arresting and confiscating their motorcycles under the guise of KCCA operation.
Mr Hashim Lule, a cyclist, said police officers have been demanding between Shs20,000 to Shs30,000 from them to get back their motorcycles.
“It has become an everyday thing. Even when you have everything they require, they will arrest you and require you to bribe them so you can continue with your work. We are not making any profits, every shilling we get they take it,” Mr Lule said.
The police have been arresting the cyclists for lack of a helmet, permit, insurance and KCCA licence.
Mr George Katende, another cyclist, said: “Sometimes you just do not know why they stop you and take your keys but they have the power.”
Police and KCCA operations against boda boda cyclists have been around the Jinja Road traffic light roundabout, Access Road roundabout and along the Golf Course.
About 10,000 boda boda cyclists operate in Kampala with more than 80 boda boda stages.
