RUBIRIZI, UGANDA – The Rubirizi District Police have initiated a major crackdown on reckless Boda Boda operators in response to a surge in motorcycle taxi-related accidents.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The new campaign specifically targets dangerous practices such as the use of illegal stages, drug and alcohol abuse, over-speeding, and other risky behaviours that have heightened accident risks within the community.
Twebaze Richard, the Officer-in-Charge of Traffic in Rubirizi District, issued a stern warning to all motorcycle riders, emphasizing the critical need to obey traffic laws and cease dangerous habits.
He specifically cautioned against using drugs or alcohol while riding, as well as dangerous maneuvers like reckless overtaking, ‘self-driving,’ and using phones, which he stated are major causes of accidents in the community.
“We are warning all bodaboda riders to stop using drugs or alcohol while riding, and to avoid dangerous maneuvers such as reckless overtaking, what we call ‘self-driving,’ and using phones, which have been major causes of accidents in our community,” Twebaze stated.
He revealed that rising accident figures in Rubirizi are alarming, with cases increasing to 58 this year alone, a figure he described as unacceptable.
Twebaze confirmed that the campaign will enforce strict penalties, particularly for riders under the influence or causing public disturbances, urging riders to change their habits.
The Rubirizi Police Liaison Officer, Twesigye Caleb, appealed to riders to protect their livelihoods and build their families by educating their children and adopting a saving culture.
He further urged them to stop wasting money on vices like excessive drinking and prostitution, while also warning that police night operations would continue to reduce crime and road accidents.
“I urge bodaboda riders to build their families by educating their children and stop wasting money on useless things like excessive drinking and prostitution,” Afande Twesigye advised.
The initiative has received positive feedback from the bodaboda community, with Kabete Stage Chairperson Issa Kavuma thanking police for raising awareness and encouraging riders to follow the rules.
He echoed the police call for discipline, urging his fellow riders to work smartly and reduce over-speeding, avoid illegal stages, and refrain from phone use while riding.
Road accidents in Uganda remain a major concern, with many complaints related to driver behaviour, particularly speeding, poor vehicle maintenance, and drug and alcohol use.
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