By KT Reporter
There is a reported increase in motorcycle (boda-boda) thefts in Busia District, leaving several riders counting heavy losses while others have been killed or left with serious injuries.
Busia, a border town in Eastern Uganda, has a large presence of motorcycles bearing Kenyan number plates, which makes it easy for thugs to cross stolen motorcycles into Kenya.
According to Joseph Ojambo, chairperson of the Busia District Drivers, Cyclists, and Allied Workers Union, the thefts became rampant in August when 15 cases were registered. He says the problem has worsened, with 13 new cases reported this month alone.
Ojambo noted that thugs mainly target riders in dark spots around Busia town, despite police installing CCTV cameras.
He added that most incidents are now being reported in rural areas, where thugs take advantage of the lack of surveillance. He cautioned boda-boda riders against riding late at night or taking unsafe routes.
Shaban Ouma, a rider from Masafu Town Council, said he and three colleagues have lost four motorcycles in just four consecutive days along Sichehe Road.
He explained that thugs often use women as decoys, who pretend to be passengers while speaking on the phone. Once the rider stops at the agreed spot, men emerge from the bush, beat the rider with iron bars, and escape with the motorcycle.
Kennedy Wandera, another rider from Mumutumba Trading Centre, narrated that thugs attacked his colleague along Budandu Road last week, leaving him with a deep head injury after being cut with a sharp object.
Abdul Nassar Kisuyi, the Deputy RDC of Busia, confirmed the rise in cases and said several suspects have been arrested, charged in court, and remanded to Masafu Prison.
Kisuyi appealed to boda-boda riders and the public to work closely with security agencies by promptly reporting incidents of theft.
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