We reported over 600 cases against boda boda 2010 but police didn’t help – Riders

A group of motorcycle riders have said they have in the past few years reported over 600 robberies, murders, assaults and other related cases against boda boda 2010 members to various police stations but have never got assistance.

Boda boda 2010 chairman Abdalla Kitattta together with a number of his members were over the weekend arrested by the army over alleged involvement in the murder of Case Hospital accountant Francis Ekalungar, attracting jubilations from riders across Kampala over what they termed as the downfall of the group that terrorised them.

On Tuesday, another group of riders under the Kampala Metropolitan Boda boda Entrepreneurs group (KAMBE) told journalists that many of their members have fallen prey to the wrath of Kitatta’s Boda Boda 2010.

“We have reported over 600 cases to various police stations around Kampala but we have never got assistance as the files ended at opening of the cases,” John Ssemujju, the chairman KAMBE told journalists at Ssekawa Motel, along Entebbe road.

Carrying placards with file numbers of the cases reported to various police stations about violence meted out on them by members of Boda Boda 2010, the riders, one by one narrated their ordeal at the hands of their tormentors who always told them that not even police can stop their actions.

“I was hired by a passenger to take him to Busega roundabout but on reaching his destination, we were intercepted by a group of unknown people who asked me to show them my identity card,” Isma Ssebuggwawo narrated his ordeal.

“I pulled out my ID indicating that I operate from Kibuye, Kobil stage but this angered them. They pounced on me saying they wanted Boda Boda 2010 card.”

The rider narrates that he told his attackers that he belongs to Kavule boda boda youth association, they pulled him and the passenger off the motorcycle, before beating and throwing him in a nearby trench until he lost his conscious.

“By the time I woke up, I was in hospital and my motorcycle had been taken,” he narrates as he points a cut he got on his head.

He says that when he reported the matter to Nateete police post, up to now he has never got any redress.

The rider claims at police he was able to locate his motorcycle but police officers asked him to pay a sum of   800,000 shillings to the boda boda 2010 members for as parking and towing fees before he could regain his property.

According to the KAMBE chairman, contrary to the constitution where everyone is at liberty to join a party or side of their own choice, boda boda 2010 never gave chance to be part of any other group.

Apologise for burning boda boda 2010 offices

The group however apologised on behalf of other riders who were involved in the burning and ransacking of the offices of boda boda 2010 around the city on Monday.

“Our members were excited when they heard that their tormentors had been overthrown. You can’t blame them. Nevertheless, it was bad to torch their offices and I ask my members not to go after anyone. Let us remain calm and peaceful,” Ssemujju noted.

He however noted that they are set to follow the cases they reported to various police station to ensure the perpetuators face the wrath of the law.

The boda boda riders added that in case they don’t get redress, they are set to petition parliament in regards the various cases reported and not addressed.

Following the arrest of Kitatta and a group of his boda boda 2010 members, the army deputy spokesperson, Lt.Col.Deo Akiiki said they would carry out more detailed investigations so as to arrest others who are still at large but connected to this group.

The members of KAMBE however promised unwavering support to the army in its investigations on the crime orchestrated by Boda boda 2010 members.

When contacted, Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire urged any aggrieved rider to report the matter to the Central Police Station in Kampala for redress.

“They should come to Kampala Metropolitan headquarters and report to the OC CIID  to look into their matters,”Owoyesigyire told this website.