Police in Kakiri in Wakiso District are holding a boda-boda operator who was intercepted while transporting nine children from the same household.
Allan Musisi, who was riding a motorcycle registration number UEA 067F, shocked the nation with his passenger antics in a country where boda boda accidents claims lives of at least 15 people daily.
According to the Traffic and Road Safety spokesperson, SP Michael Kananura, the children had reportedly been prepared by their parent and handed over to the rider for transport.
“All the nine children belong to one family and were reportedly prepared by the parent and handed over to the rider for transport,” Kananura said.
He added that the rider has since been charged and is being detained at the same police facility pending court proceedings.
Authorities noted that beyond the illegal overloading, none of the children were wearing helmets, further worsening the risk posed during the journey.
Police emphasised that pillioning is already restricted under Uganda’s road safety laws, which allow a motorcycle to carry only one passenger.
In this case, officials said, the number of passengers far exceeded the legal limit, creating a highly dangerous situation.
“We strongly urge parents and guardians to desist from such dangerous practices. Such situations are preventable if safety is taken seriously,” Kananura said.
Sources say Police are likely to slap charges on the parents.
The arrest comes just weeks after the Traffic Police conducted a nationwide road safety campaign targeting children transported to school using boda-bodas.
The campaign focused on safe transport practices, including helmet use, proper passenger limits, and parental responsibility in ensuring children’s safety on roads.
Police have repeatedly warned that children are among the most vulnerable road users, especially when transported on motorcycles without protective gear or in unsafe numbers.
Authorities have reiterated calls for parents, guardians, and boda-boda operators to prioritise safety and adhere strictly to road traffic regulations to prevent avoidable accidents and fatalities.
