Police to arrest bodaboda riders who trail Besigye

Bodaboda riders fond of trailing the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) former Presidential aspirant, Dr. Col Kizza Besigye, risk being arrested for breaking traffic regulations.

Police spokesperson, Fred Enanga revealed this while addressing journalists at the Police's weekly briefing at Police headquarters in Naguru, Kampala this morning.
 
"Many of these have been disrupting traffic because of their reckless behavior. If from now we get you riding in breach of the traffic rules, we shall arrest the rider, impound the motorcycle and it will be hard for owners to get it," he said.
 
 
Enanga said they have tasked traffic officers to conduct traffic surveillance and penalize such riders and drivers.

They intend to charge them with reckless driving, abstraction and disobeying lawful orders among other offenses.
 
"They pose danger to other motorists and pedestrians. They ride from one side to another, knock people's items and pedestrians, at times they injure themselves and even cause congestion in the city," he said.
 
Enanga also said they have started investigations into the masked goons who beat up boda boda riders who were escorting Col. Besigye last week.

Col Kizza Besigye waves to crowds in Kansanga as during campaigns in Makindye Division, Kampala District on Wed 10 Feb 2016.

"Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP) Commander, Abbas Byakagaba, has instituted a team to investigate the manner in which a group of suspected civilians used force against citizens in violation of their constitutional rights," he said.
 
He said video footage in support the incident has been retrieved and several officers who participated in the operation including the deputy Regional Police Commander KMP South, have recorded statements.
 
"We are now identifying the suspected victims and calling upon them to come forward and record their statements," Enanga said.

He said they also want them to go for medical checkups to know the extent of the injuries. He said those who fear to be arrested should go to Byakagaba's office and record the statement from their.
 
"We want to know who are these masked men and who assigned them. If it is established that the officers assigned civilians duties or omitted to intervene, during the assaults, they will be definitely be held accountable," he added.

He said the incident has meanwhile provided all supervisors more stringent mechanisms under which officers involved in covert operations and open surveillance are closely monitored and supervised to make sure all security activities are aligned with police core values and ethical standards.
 
Meanwhile, Police said they have got information of plans by selected individuals and groups, that are mobilizing through social media platforms under the heading "The Kifeesi Goons" to allegedly provide security to Besigye on his way to Najjanankumbi today (Tuesday) for prayers.

Enanga said they will not tolerate anyone intending to disrupt the prevailing peace and security in the greater Kampala including boda boda riders who create a menace often.