KCCA Cracks Down on Bus Brokers as Security Concerns Rise
The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has arrested eight individuals suspected of being bus brokers and engaging in criminal activities in downtown Kampala, as part of an ongoing effort to restore order in the city’s transport sector.
The arrests, made in collaboration with security agencies, come after repeated complaints from passengers and bus operators about misconduct by these "bus brokers," who reportedly force commuters onto specific buses, steal from them, and engage in fraudulent schemes.
KCCA Communications Officer Daniel Nuweabine confirmed the operation, emphasizing that the crackdown was necessary due to the growing number of reported crimes.
"The operation was prompted by increasing complaints from both passengers and bus operators about the criminal conduct of these individuals, who are often involved in thefts and other illegal activities," Nuweabine said.
Kampala Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Jane Muhindo explained that authorities had been monitoring the situation closely following multiple public complaints.
"We have had numerous reports about the unethical conduct of these bus brokers, which includes stealing from passengers and issuing fake receipts," Muhindo said.
The arrests follow months of tensions between bus operators and brokers, with conflicts frequently arising as the latter allegedly coerced passengers into specific buses, sometimes leading to violent altercations.
Several of those detained are suspected of engaging in extortion and swapping passengers’ belongings with counterfeit goods. KCCA officials say the crackdown aims to restore trust in the city’s public transport system, which has been marred by these criminal activities.
"This operation is just the beginning," Muhindo stated.
"We are committed to ensuring that Kampala remains a safe place for all, particularly in the transport sector. Investigations are ongoing, and we will take further steps as necessary."
KCCA has urged residents to report any further misconduct and assured the public that more measures will be implemented to curb criminal activities in transport hubs.
