Protest Erupts After Boda Boda Rider's Death

Police was on Tuesday involved in running battles with boda boda riders who were protesting the death of their colleague. The protest by the boda boda riders followed the death of their colleague who was knocked dead by a garbage truck registration number UBG 834 M belonging to Homeklin Uganda Limited in an incident that happened along eighth street in Kampala.

The boda boda riders blamed the accident to traffic police and KCCA enforcement officers whom they said were chasing the rider and as he fled them, he rammed into the garbage truck.These later gathered in big numbers and tried to attack police officers prompting police to fire teargas to disperse them.

According to Kampala Metropolitan deputy police spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire, the boda boda riders were numbering over 100 as they unlawfully assembled and blocked off multiple roads including Jinja Road, Kampala Road, Yusuf Lule Road, and Mukwano Road.

“Subsequently, they engaged in pelting stones towards traffic officers who were managing the junction near Jinja Road traffic lights.In response to this situation, the police swiftly intervened, resulting in the arrest of three individuals at the scene,” Owoyesigyire said.He said two boda boda riders including Komakech Stephen and Byamukama were arrested and are currently detained at Central Police Station Kampala while the third suspect is being held at Jinja Road Police on allegations of unlawful assembly.

Owoyesigyire said police have kicked off investigations to ascertain the exact cause of the accident after riders accused police of being in the wrong when it tried to arrest the boda boda rider who rammed into the garbage truck.He named the deceased as Steven Kimbowa who was riding a motorcycle registration number UFP 327T.Owoyesigyire said the driver of the garbage truck identified as Emmy Atuhaire has since been arrested and a statement recorded from him.