By Richard Onapatum
Kotido, 12th August 2024 – The Kotido District Security Committee convened a meeting today with the leadership of the Kotido Boda Boda Riders Association at the Kotido Youth Centre. The meeting, chaired by the District Internal Security Officer (DISO) Lt. David Aisu, aimed to strengthen the relationship between the bodaboda riders and the security personnel in the district, and to address the challenges faced by the riders.
In his opening remarks, Lt. Aisu commended the efforts of the deputy DISO and the bodaboda leadership for their mobilization, which ensured the success of the meeting. He emphasized the critical role of the bodaboda business in Uganda’s economy, noting that it employs a significant portion of the youth. “The transport business is one of the most viable in the country, and it is essential that we create unity and collaboration between the bodaboda riders and the security agencies,” said Aisu.
He highlighted the importance of peace in sustaining business, pointing out that recent improvements in security have allowed people to enjoy night-time activities and enabled bodaboda riders to operate safely throughout the night. “We must collaborate to maintain and consolidate this peace,” Aisu urged, encouraging the riders to report any suspicious activities or individuals to the authorities.
Lt. Aisu also advised the youth against cattle theft and urged those involved in illegal activities to surrender, reminding them of the amnesty offered by the President. He encouraged the youth to participate in government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and the Youth Livelihoods Program, and to avoid divisive politics based on identity.
The Chairman of the Kotido Boda Boda Riders Association expressed gratitude to the security leadership for organizing the meeting. He acknowledged their cooperation with security agencies but noted challenges with the Traffic Police. He also shared concerns about the risks faced by bodaboda riders, particularly the threats from warriors who accuse them of collaborating with security forces.
Ochuka Emmanuel, the association’s treasurer from Caltex Stage, highlighted the need for a meeting with the Officer in Charge (OC) of the police to address issues of traffic police brutality. He recounted an incident where a rider from Panyagara was assaulted by a traffic officer, leading to injuries. Emmanuel also voiced frustrations regarding access to government programs, especially for non-locals, who are often told to return to their villages.
The association’s speaker, Charles Tonny Ongom, criticized the administration for not holding regular meetings and urged the Traffic Police to be more understanding of their plight.
In response, Lt. Aisu advised the bodaboda riders who have returned from the bush to organize themselves legally, with a constitution and by-laws. He promised to discuss the erection of bodaboda stage shades with district leaders. He also emphasized the need for unity, discouraging sectarianism and reminding everyone that they are all Ugandans working together for the betterment of the district.
ASP Samuel Nuwataho, the OC Station at Kotido Police, advised the riders to create written contracts with parents who fail to pay after transporting their children to school, as these contracts can be used in court. He also warned against purchasing stolen motorcycles from Kenya, which could have legal repercussions.
ASP Agweng, the OC Traffic, called for cooperation between the police and the bodaboda riders, while SP Barasa, the Regional Traffic Officer, commended the riders for improving their hygiene. He stressed the importance of following traffic rules and discouraged the purchase of motorcycles from Kenya, urging the riders to support the Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) initiative.
Deputy RDC Kotido, Mr. John Magezi Lukhoki, reiterated the importance of the bodaboda riders acting as vigilant partners in security. He warned against allowing criminals to infiltrate the bodaboda business and emphasized the need for legal registration of motorcycles to avoid security issues.
The meeting concluded with several resolutions:
1. Strengthening the bodaboda leadership committee.
2. Ensuring regular meetings to review the association’s progress.
3. Adhering to traffic rules and regulations.
4. Improving personal hygiene among bodaboda riders.
5. Enhancing coordination between the bodaboda association, district leadership, and security personnel.
6. Following official procedures to register motorcycles with Ugandan number plates.
7. Avoiding the transportation of criminals and wrongdoers.
8. Organizing the bodaboda industry through meaningful discussions with their leaders.
9. Implementing identification codes according to different stages for easier identification.
10. Acting as vigilant partners in maintaining the district’s peace and security.
Lt. Aisu concluded the meeting by urging the bodaboda riders to save for the future, prioritize their children’s education, and avoid cattle rustling. He emphasized that security starts with the people, not just uniformed personnel.
Security operatives shared their contact information with the bodaboda operators to facilitate easier coordination in the future.
