Over 1,000 motorcycles impounded in crackdown on errant cyclists

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | More than 1,000 motorcycles have been impounded in Kampala Metropolitan area in the ongoing crackdown on cyclists.

Last week, the police announced an operation to crack down on errant cyclists. According to the police, during the operations, they will be looking out for cyclists who have refused to wear helmets or reflective jackets, those without driving permits, and cyclists riding motorcycles in bad mechanical condition, and those carrying more than one passenger.

Since Monday, 1,722 motorcycles have been impounded. The motorcycles were impounded around Mulago roundabout, Kira-road traffic lights, Nakawa Spear Motors junction, and Airtel Tower Clock on Jinja road among other places.

Joseph Musisi, whose motorcycle was impounded in Kamwokya for lacking a helmet said that the government should train riders on safety riding measures, rather than launch a crackdown that will affect their source of income.

“They arrest us and impound our motorcycles, yet it’s where we get something to feed our families. They should train all motorists, and establish training centers for everyone to go through before coming to the road,” Musisi said.

Other cyclists have decried the brutality used by police in carrying out the operation. They also accused the police of extortion.

Bosco Buziba, the spokesperson of Boda Boda riders in Kira Municipality, says that more than 400 motorcycles have been impounded from riders who were not putting on reflector jackets.

He is concerned that the required reflector jackets can easily be forged by criminals, masquerading as boda-boda riders on roads.

But Police say they are not only targeting boda-boda riders but all motorcycle riders without riding permits, helmets, reflector jackets, and motorcycles in dangerous mechanical conditions.

Recently, police reported that at least four out of five people die every day from boda-boda accidents in Kampala city.

The Traffic Police Spokesperson, Faridah Nampiima, said that boda-boda cyclists are the biggest group that violates traffic and Road Safety Regulations.

*****

URN