NEWS– Boda boda cyclists in Rukungiri district have held a peaceful demonstration accusing the traffic Police department of harassment and extortion.
They claim that the traffic Police personnels led by their Officer in Charge Tibeijuka James have continuously asked them to pay large sums of money pretending to be fines yet the money is not receipted for.
Boda boda cyclists revealed that they wonder how the O.C traffic Tibeijuka always hold roadblocks with private motorcycle and car which they unknowingly ram into them and later treat them like criminals which risk their lives as well as those of road users.
They now want the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) intervention before the situation goes out of hand.
Tokamanya Sezi, one of the rowdy cyclists operating at “Go down stage” says that they nowadays dodn’t settle at their work following the harassment adding that they might lose their jobs since they are asked to pay large sums of money in addition to paying their bosses who own motorcycles.
Akankwatsa Joab, another cyclist operating at “Omukakabada stage” says that they have been reporting cases to their boss Bora chairperson but their pleas have fallen on deaf ears thus forcing them to seek for help from the President’s representative.
Muhirwe Edson, Nabimanya Rogers and Innocent Nuwagaba other boda boda cyclists narrate that they are in fear of being kidnapped by people pretending to be traffic officers using the private vehicles like how these officers do. They now vow to mobilize and lynch any traffic officer if the RDC does not intervene in their matter.
Cue in……Boda boss riders voxpop
The Rukungiri district OC Traffic Tibeijuka however told our reporter that their operations have always been targeting riders who don’t put on safety helmets and those ferrying more than one passenger stressing that they always pay fines from the bank.
Tibeijuka however said that the cyclists’ demonstration will not stop their operations as officers from enforcement as long as they are doing the right thing.
Cue in…….OC Traffic on accusations
The Rukungiri district Deputy Resident Commissioner Ahimbisibwe Wilberforce Ongom revealed that some traffic officers are naturally corrupt and condemned such acts urging them to always abide by rules governing their profession.
Ongom adds that he will engage Police officers such that the habit can be stopped within the district.
Cue in……Ongom on traffic
He however called upon boda boda cyclists to stay calm stressing that soon they will hold a meeting to reunite traffic officers and boda boda cyclists such that peace can be restored in the district in line with rules and regulations.
Cue in……….Ongom on Cyclists
Residents of Rukungiri district have always been complaining about the Police as they always demand money from them while handling their cases.