Summary:
- According to Okure, a suspected motorcycle thief was nearly lynched by an angry mob but was rescued by police.
KATAKWI: Boda-Boda riders in Katakwi District are enraged over what they claim is a coordinated effort between motorcycle thieves and police officers to steal motorcycles.
Richard Okure, a Boda-Boda rider from Stage B, revealed that in 2024 alone, they lost 18 motorcycles. As of January 2025, two more had already been stolen. He alleged that some police officers were complicit in the thefts, citing a recent incident in Katakwi Town Council.
According to Okure, a suspected motorcycle thief was nearly lynched by an angry mob but was rescued by police. However, instead of being taken to court, the suspect was allegedly released without facing legal action.
To curb motorcycle theft, Okure urged the Microfinance Support Center to make motorcycles more accessible in Katakwi. He argued that many riders purchase motorcycles from Lira or through high-interest financing companies like Tugende, making it easier for criminals to track and target them in rural areas.
Authorities Respond to Allegations
Katakwi Deputy Resident District Commissioner Vincent Savior Okwi acknowledged the growing concern and revealed that investigations had uncovered a motorcycle theft syndicate operating in the district.
Criminals allegedly bring stolen motorcycles into Katakwi, where they are resold and later traced back to their original owners.
However, Okwi admitted that no arrests had been made yet. He advised riders to consider purchasing secondhand motorcycles from reputable sellers to avoid falling victim to these criminal networks.
Regional Traffic Officer East Kyoga, Mathias Mulumba Okwir, assured riders that any police officer found complicit in motorcycle theft would face disciplinary action.
He urged Boda-Boda riders to report any suspicious officers to the District Police Commander (DPC) or Regional Police.
“If the officer is in uniform, note the name tag on their chest and report them. If they are in civilian clothes, take a photo and share it with the regional police,” Okwir advised.
He also called on riders to remain vigilant, emphasizing that security begins with individual responsibility.
