Fred Enanga, the Uganda Police Force Spokesperson has revealed that the leadership of the Joint Security Agencies has noted with serious concern, a dramatic spike in aggravated robberies of boda-bodas and the subsequent murders of the riders.
A total of 6 murders related to boda-bodas occurred in a period of one week, according to Enanga. On 4th September 2021, the police in Kalungu registered a case of the disappearance of a businessman that turned out into an aggravated robbery and murder. The victim, Masengere Vincent was a 35-year-old businessman from Miteete village, Kyambala Parish, Bukulula Sub-county, Kalungu District.
He was last seen on 31st August 2021 after he had hired a motorcycle, Bajaj Boxer, red in colour, under registration number UER410R, from Segawa Michael. He rod and proceeded to a bank Masaka, where he withdrew Ugx 10m, for their village association. The victim was not seen till the 4th September when his body was discovered with deep cut wounds, on the head, at Kabale Bugonzi. The motorcycle was also abandoned near the scene, giving a clear motive for cash theft.
On 7th September 2021, the police at Katugo station registered a murder case of a suspected boda-boda rider after the body was found abandoned at Katugo Forest Reserve, Katugo village, Katugo Town Council, Nakasongola district. The body had no documents to help in identification, but was dressed in a blue pair of jeans, a white Tshirt, and white canvas. Upon examination he had a deep stab wound at the left side of the neck, indicating how he was attacked from the back. At the scene, an empty toolbox bag, a wire lock, a black Kavera with consumables were recovered but the motorcycle he was riding was missing.
“Boda-bodas are slowly creeping back, after a hard crackdown on the notorious criminal gangs in 2018. This was followed by another crackdown on Chop Shops dealing in motorcycle spares in 2020. We have again dispatched our task teams under crime intelligence to Kalungu, Masaka and Kyenjojo which are hotspots for bodaboda thefts.” Enanga said.
The Police spox cautioned all boda-boda riders to avoid highly risky trips, especially over long distances, isolated areas, and riding during ordinary hours.
