Kampala — THE American Embassy has advised its nationals in Uganda against using boda bodas, following crime incidents in which its citizens have been targeted.

The security advisory, issued on Tuesday, followed two attacks on American citizens by boda boda operators during separate incidents in the last two weeks.

The embassy said boda boda operators picked the American female victims from a stage in Kisementi and took them to secluded areas to sexually assault them.

"The two attacks targeted females who were travelling alone after leaving bar/restaurants in the early morning hours," the notice read.

The embassy said it was assisting the Ugandan Police to identify and bring to justice the perpetrators.

It warned that boda bodas are inherently dangerous at all hours of the day given the combination of poor roads, poorly maintained vehicles and erratic driving behaviour.

"Boda boda customers and drivers are frequent victims of serious auto accidents. As a result, the chief of mission discourages their use by American citizens even in daylight hours," the advisory read.

Due to the danger and criminal activity associated with boda bodas, the US embassy employees and their dependents in Uganda are prohibited from riding boda bodas after dark.

American citizens have been advised not to go out alone, avoid poorly lit areas, consume alcohol in moderation and have a solid plan to arrive home safely.

"It is important to remain situationally aware when consuming alcohol given past reports of drinks being spiked in order to induce unconsciousness as part of premeditated sexual assault or other criminal acts," the embassy said.