Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has issued a stern directive to General David Muhoozi, Minister of State for Internal Affairs, to ensure the swift return of impounded Boda Bodas to their rightful owners.
This move follows President Yoweri Museveni’s earlier directive emphasizing the release of these vital income-generating motorcycles, which are the lifeblood of many Ugandans.Despite the initial announcement by the Police to release impounded Boda Bodas nationwide, recent investigations reveal a stark contrast.
Over 50,000 motorcycles remain impounded, primarily in Kampala Metropolitan Areas, with the Police continuing to seize more. This blatant disregard for the President’s directive has sparked widespread frustration among Boda Boda riders, who rely on their motorcycles for survival.
During the Prime Minister’s Question Time in Parliament, Bashir Lubega, a lawmaker from Mubende Municipality, exposed the Traffic Police’s “reign of terror” in Mubende. He alleged that Police Officers confiscate Boda Bodas and extort bribes from riders before returning the motorcycles.
Lubega urged the Prime Minister to address the escalating corruption within the Police force, which has led to a breakdown of trust between law enforcement and the public.
“The Boda Bodas across the country are victims of terror from the Traffic Police. They descend on them with such wrath that many riders have abandoned their Boda Bodas at Police posts, which are now full. At those roadblocks, they are just collecting money; they have sucked them dry. What plans do you have to rein in this impunity and terror from the Traffic Police?” said Lubega.
Prime Minister Nabbanja expressed shock and dismay upon learning that the President’s directive had not been implemented. She promptly instructed General Muhoozi to take immediate action and enforce the President’s order, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.
“The President directed that all the Boda Bodas of these young people be returned to them. I am wondering why this directive isn’t being followed. And so let me direct the Minister of Internal Affairs, who is here, General Muhoozi, to prevail over your Police Officers and ensure that the Boda Bodas are given back to our people!” she ordered.
The Prime Minister’s directive underscores the government’s commitment to addressing Boda Boda riders’ grievances and ensuring justice is served, amidst growing concerns over corruption and abuse of power within the Traffic Police.
The Prime Minister’s intervention is seen as a crucial step towards restoring the rights of Boda Boda riders and promoting economic growth. As the government works to address this issue, it remains to be seen whether the Police will comply with the directive and return the impounded motorcycles to their rightful owners.
