Travellers along the Arua-Nebbi highway are raising alarm over a surge in highway robberies, with many recounting harrowing experiences of losing valuables and fearing for their safety.
Businesspeople, bus operators, and truck drivers have expressed frustration, attributing the recurring attacks to deteriorating road conditions and inadequate security measures.
The stretch between Ullepi and Kuluva has emerged as a hotspot for these criminal activities.
Poor road conditions, marked by deep potholes and uneven terrain, force vehicles to slow down, creating an ideal setting for ambushes.
The attacks, often occurring under the cover of darkness, have left victims traumatised and economically strained.
Severino.Embati, director of California Buses, shared his ordeal, describing an incident on December 21, 2024, when eight passengers traveling from Kampala to Arua were robbed of their merchandise.
“We have lost more than sh500m from these robberies, mostly around Enzeva and Kuluva,” he lamented.
Similarly, traders relying on the highway for transporting goods have suffered significant losses.
Klion Baku, a clothes trader in Vurra, recounted losing goods worth Shs10m at Odia Trading Centre.
“When we reached Odia, I got off the bus, and the conductor came down to offload my bags, but they were nowhere to be seen,” he said.
Local leaders and victims have called on authorities to address the situation urgently.
They are urging the government to rehabilitate the Ullepi-Kuluva road and bolster security along the highway, especially during nighttime.
George Aluma, a Nebbi district councillor, emphasized the importance of the road to the region’s economy, saying,
“This highway is a lifeline for the region. We cannot allow criminals to disrupt trade and put lives at risk.”
Denis Ochama, the Regional Police Commander, acknowledged the severity of the issue but reassured the public that interventions are underway.
“We have intensified patrols and introduced snap checks along the highway. Additionally, we are engaging with the local community to report suspicious activities. These measures are already yielding results, with three suspects arrested during recent operations,” Ochama said.
He also urged travelers to exercise caution, particularly at night.
“We cannot tell people to stop traveling at night, but they should take preventive measures. If nightfall finds you in Nebbi or Madi Okollo, stay and continue in the morning when it’s safer,” he advised.
As the situation unfolds, travelers and authorities alike hope for swift action to restore safety and confidence on the Arua-Nebbi highway.
