Michael Ssali
9 August 2008
Kampala — The Police is concerned about the rampant robberies of motorbikes from boda boda cyclists in Masaka region. Matters are not helped by the conduct of the boda boda riders, most of them youths in their early twenties, who are also taking the law into their hands. They often stone suspected motorcycle thieves to death or tie up the suspects and set them on fire.
Although unlawful killings are illegal according to the Penal Code Act, none of the youthful cyclists seems to care. And the new wave of crime comes at a time when the volume of boda boda business has increased tremendously and boda boda parking areas have been created in places where they should not be, especially in Masaka Town.
The boda boda men park their bikes anywhere, and they don't follow traffic signs and instructions a situation which has led to increased accidents. They have turned out to be a nuisance to other road users; particularly vehicle drivers and all traffic reports have indicated boda boda cyclists among the leading cause of road accidents.
The worsening situation is what recently prompted the Southern Region Police Commander, Mr Andrew Sorowen, to reach out to the boda boda operators. And as he would learn later, the majority of the 300 or so who turned up for the meeting on Tuesday did not have licenses to ride motorcycles.
About a third of them were riding motorcycles without number plates. Traffic laws require everyone travelling on a motorbike to wear a helmet and protective clothing . However only about half the number of motorcyclists in Masaka wear helmets.
Mobilising them to turn up for the meeting with the Police was also a tricky business. Mr Sorowen said many did not turn up. "They suspected we were out to inspect their motorbikes and to ask for riding permits," he said.
Mr Sorowen hosted the meeting in front of the Inspector of Vehicles' office in Masaka town. He said: "We don't want you to think that we are your enemies. We want you to get closer to the police, to know what we want with regard to keeping traffic laws, and to work together for the safety of all boda boda users and yourselves."
The meeting was attended by Mr David Katende, area manager of Paramount Insurance Company, Masaka Inspector of Vehicles Busingye Rukurwe, and Masaka Municipality law enforcement officer Mugerwa Lule. He urged the cyclist to stop riding motorcycles that have no number plates.
"I give you only one week to make sure that you all have number plates. After that we shall impound all bikes without number plates," he said.
They grumbled. Yet this is a measure to protect motorcycles as it enhances easier identification and makes it harder for thieves to stole them.
He cautioned them against smoking of opium and riding under the influence of alcohol. Mr Sorowen told the cyclist not to take law in to their hands. The Area Manager of Paramount Insurance, Mr David Katende, urged the cyclists to insure their bikes against theft and pay for Third Party Insurance. "This saves you from total loss when your bike is stolen or when you get accidents," Mr Katende said.
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