14 boda boda riders killed, 28 motorcycles stolen since January
KAMPALA- Police yesterday expressed worry over the rampant attacks on passengers and motorcycle riders in the last 12 weeks.
Police spokesperson Fred Enanga said at least 28 incidents in which boda boda riders have been wounded and killed have been registered accross the country.
“Between January 1 and March 22, 2019, a total of 28 incidents of robbery/theft of boda bodas were reported to police. A total of 14 motorcyclists were murdered in the process and 17 suspects were arrested and charged,” Mr Enanga said.
Police said of the 28 motorcycles stolen, only five have been recovered.
Mr Enanga said at least 14 incidents occurred between 7pm and midnight. Six other attacks on the riders were recorded between 1am and 6am whereas five motorcycles were stolen at 6pm.
Rwizi region that covers districts of Mbarara, Ibanda and Sheema had four boda boda robberies whereas Busoga North, Katonga and Kampala South (Katwe) registered three boda boda thefts each.
Incidents in Kampala
In Kampala, an unidentified motorist was found killed and dumped at Aron Lane off Sir Apollo Kaggwa Road in Wandegeya, Kampala, on January 10. The deceased was found with wounds suspected to have been inflicted using a knife which was recovered at the scene.
Similarly, Julius Muzinguzi, 28, a boda boda rider and resident of Najjera near Seventh Day Adventists Church, Kira Municipality in Wakiso District was found killed by unknown thugs who varnished with his motorcycle.
Mr Enanga said Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) was closely collecting leads in all the 28 attacks on boda boda riders.
“The targeted motorcycles include newer models of Bajaj Boxer which are in high demand in the spare parts sector. We have also noted that some of the motorcycles have no tracking capability from the dealership making recovery a difficult process,” Mr Enanga said.
Police said attackers have been using tools such as knives, hammers, and stones when robbing motorcycles. Police have asked riders to consider searching clients for weapons and installing GPS trackers.
Other regions in the country registered at most one incident where boda boda riders were either killed or robbed.
