Residents of Kiyuni Sub-county in Mubende District have raised concern over increasing cases of motorcycle robbery, leaving many victims counting losses.
According to Aloyzious Byamunugu, the sub-county chairperson, several residents have lost property within a month, with bodaboda riders being the most affected.
“Most affected people are the bodaboda riders because we have received several reports about motorcycle theft in the sub-county, leaving many counting losses,” Byamunugu said.
He attributed the situation to limited security capacity, noting that officers at Kiyuni Police Post lack basic transport to effectively patrol the area.
“As government, we are entitled to protect our people and their property, but we have really failed. The blame goes to the government because the whole police post does not even have a bicycle to help officers traverse the sub-county,” he added.
Richard Katende, one of the victims, said his motorcycle was stolen at night.
“It was around 10pm when I parked my bodaboda and went to buy something from a shop. On returning, I found it had been taken,” Katende said.
He added that efforts to recover the motorcycle through police have so far been unsuccessful.
“I reported to Mubende Central Police Station, and they checked the cameras, but nothing was seen. Since then, I have been struggling to cater for my family,” he said.
Another victim, Ronald Ssentongo, said his motorcycle was stolen from his home in the early hours of the morning.
“My motorcycle was taken from the house, and I only heard the sound of it being kick-started at around 2 a.m.,” he said.
Residents say the insecurity extends beyond motorcycles, with cases of livestock and poultry theft also on the rise.
Emmanuel Ssettuba said many households have been affected, including local leaders.
“When it comes to theft, our people are counting losses, including local leaders. Our defence chairperson recently lost two cows, pigs have been stolen, and others as well. We are in a challenging situation,” he said.
Robert Ssaka, chairperson of Kiyuni bodaboda riders, said the group is planning an operation to track down the suspected thieves.
“We are planning to conduct an operation, though I cannot reveal the date. We are determined to get the thieves, and I believe we shall succeed,” Ssaka said.
However, Benon Tibyasa, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner for Mubende, said security agencies are already responding.
“Our security team is working hand in hand to stabilise the situation. Recently, we conducted a joint operation where we arrested suspected gun robbers, and they are currently in custody,” Tibyasa said.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities.
“I want to urge our people to always inform security whenever they suspect anything unusual. We are on standby, and I assure them the situation will return to normal soon,” he added.