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Lira boda riders protest after registration dispute
The confrontation, which security officers described as criminal and disruptive, exposed growing tensions between boda boda operators and city authorities over a controversial registration exercise that has so far enrolled more than 5,000 riders.
North Kyoga Region Police Spokesperson, Patrick Jimmy Okema. (Photo by Hudson Apunyo)
By: Hudson Apunyo, Journalist @New Vision
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LIRA CITY – A dispute over boda boda registration and revenue collection erupted into chaos in Lira City on Monday, bringing traffic along the busy Lira–Soroti Highway to a standstill for nearly an hour as angry riders protested the arrest of one of their colleagues.
The confrontation, which security officers described as criminal and disruptive, exposed growing tensions between boda boda operators and city authorities over a controversial registration exercise that has so far enrolled more than 5,000 riders.
What began as a routine enforcement operation quickly descended into running battles between riders and law enforcement officers, forcing businesses to close and prompting the deployment of police and the army to restore calm.
According to eyewitnesses and Lira city officials, law enforcement officers backed by police and civilian enforcement personnel, commonly known as "kanyamas," were conducting an operation targeting riders who had not complied with the city's registration requirements.
Trouble started when officers intercepted a rider identified as Ronnie Ojuka at Uhuru Bar Stage. Fellow riders claim Ojuka had already paid the required registration fees and attempted to prove his compliance using a copy of his registration stored on his phone.
Despite his pleas, the officers allegedly forcefully arrested and injured him as they impounded his motorcycle.
The incident quickly attracted fellow riders operating nearby, triggering a confrontation that escalated into violence.
Enraged riders reportedly pelted officers with stones, damaging a police patrol vehicle, before barricading sections of the Lira–Soroti Road using stones, logs and burning debris.
The blockade disrupted traffic and business operations along major trading centres stretching from Uhuru Bar through Corner Bar, Odokomit, Angwetangwet and Corner Kakoge.
Trouble started when officers intercepted a rider identified as Ronnie Ojuka at Uhuru Bar Stage. Fellow riders claim Ojuka had already paid the required registration fees and attempted to prove his compliance using a copy of his registration stored on his phone.
Despite his pleas, the officers allegedly forcefully arrested and injured him as they impounded his motorcycle.
Lira City Mayor Sam Atul announced the temporary suspension of enforcement operations targeting unregistered riders pending investigations. (Photo by Hudson Apunyo)
The incident quickly attracted fellow riders operating nearby, triggering a confrontation that escalated into violence.
Enraged riders reportedly pelted officers with stones, damaging a police patrol vehicle, before barricading sections of the Lira–Soroti Road using stones, logs and burning debris.
The blockade disrupted traffic and business operations along major trading centres stretching from Uhuru Bar through Corner Bar, Odokomit, Angwetangwet and Corner Kakoge.
Several shops were forced to close as tensions mounted.
Police officers initially deployed at the scene were overwhelmed by the number of protesters. Order was only restored after reinforcement by additional police personnel and soldiers.
Security Condemns Protest
North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson Patrick Jimmy Okema condemned the riders' actions, saying they had chosen a criminal path instead of pursuing lawful avenues to air their grievances.
"First and foremost, we strongly disagree with the actions taken by our brothers in the boda boda industry. The approach they took to express their grievances was uncalled for. There are many alternative dispute resolution mechanisms available. Blocking roads, damaging property and disrupting traffic are criminal acts for which individuals will be held accountable," Okema said.
Okema revealed that police had arrested 15 suspected ringleaders to aid ongoing investigations.
"As investigations continue, more people who participated in the disturbances will be identified and held individually responsible. Once the case file is complete, guidance will be sought from the Resident Chief State Attorney on the appropriate charges," he added.
Why the Dispute?
At the centre of the conflict is a long-running complaint by boda boda riders regarding the collection of registration fees.
Many riders have accused city authorities of allowing boda boda leaders to collect cash directly from operators instead of requiring payments through official banking channels, as is done in other cities.
The riders argued that the arrangement lacks transparency and raises fears that some of the money may not be reaching city accounts.
The controversy has generated mistrust between operators and city authorities, prompting the deployment of armed police and enforcement teams during revenue collection exercises.
RCC warns instigators
Lira Resident City Commissioner Lawrence Egole condemned the road blockade and warned that investigators would pursue not only those who participated in the protest but also individuals suspected of inciting the unrest.
"As security for Lira City and the region, we do not support anybody taking the law into their own hands. More than 5,000 boda boda riders have already complied with the registration exercise, which shows that the majority support lawful processes," Egole said, adding, "We are investigating not only those who blocked the road but also those who may have encouraged them to do so. Their intention appears to be to disrupt peace and stability in the city."
Egole said security agencies would not tolerate impunity and stressed that maintaining peace was essential for business and development.
"We are working day and night to ensure Lira remains peaceful and attractive for business. When roads are blocked, many innocent people suffer because their businesses are disrupted," he said.
At the same time, Egole appealed to riders who have not yet registered to take advantage of the ongoing investigation period to comply with the city requirements.
"The registration exercise helps us identify genuine operators and enhances security. Boda boda riders play a very important role in development, and we encourage those who have not complied to register," he added.
Enforcement operation suspended
Responding to the incident, Lira City Mayor Sam Atul announced the temporary suspension of enforcement operations targeting unregistered riders pending investigations into the circumstances surrounding Ojuka's arrest.
"We appreciate the more than 5,000 riders who have already accepted to register as responsible citizens contributing to the development of Lira city. Unfortunately, because of actions by some of our employees who may not have handled the situation appropriately, one rider was injured, and tensions escalated," Atul said.
Atul said the registration programme had been developed jointly with boda boda leaders and was intended to improve security and streamline operations within the city.
According to the mayor, the agreed registration fee is sh35,000 per rider, broken down into: sh7,000 for the boda boda association, sh15,000 covers the digital identification card and sticker, while sh13,000 is remitted to Lira City Council as local revenue.
He disclosed that out of an estimated 8,000 boda boda riders operating within the city, a total of 5,181 have already registered, leaving approximately 2,819 yet to comply.
The mayor revealed that some riders from neighbouring Alebtong District have expressed interest in registering so they can legally operate within Lira City.
Call for dialogue
Atul acknowledged concerns regarding the management of the registration exercise and urged riders to use dialogue rather than confrontation.
"If there are concerns about how the exercise is being conducted, our doors remain open. We encourage dialogue rather than conflict," he said.
He cautioned journalists against sensational reporting that could damage the city's image.
"Lira is peaceful and open for business. Reporting that creates unnecessary panic may discourage investors and developers. What happened was unfortunate, but it was quickly contained and normalcy was restored," Atul explained.
By Monday evening, traffic had resumed, businesses had reopened, and boda boda operations had returned to normal, although investigations into the violence and the circumstances that triggered it remained ongoing.
Police officers initially deployed at the scene were overwhelmed by the number of protesters. Order was only restored after reinforcement by additional police personnel and soldiers.
Security Condemns Protest
North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson Patrick Jimmy Okema condemned the riders' actions, saying they had chosen a criminal path instead of pursuing lawful avenues to air their grievances.
"First and foremost, we strongly disagree with the actions taken by our brothers in the boda boda industry. The approach they took to express their grievances was uncalled for. There are many alternative dispute resolution mechanisms available. Blocking roads, damaging property and disrupting traffic are criminal acts for which individuals will be held accountable," Okema said.
Okema revealed that police had arrested 15 suspected ringleaders to aid ongoing investigations.
"As investigations continue, more people who participated in the disturbances will be identified and held individually responsible. Once the case file is complete, guidance will be sought from the Resident Chief State Attorney on the appropriate charges," he added.
Why the Dispute?
At the centre of the conflict is a long-running complaint by boda boda riders regarding the collection of registration fees.
Many riders have accused city authorities of allowing boda boda leaders to collect cash directly from operators instead of requiring payments through official banking channels, as is done in other cities.
The riders argued that the arrangement lacks transparency and raises fears that some of the money may not be reaching city accounts.
The controversy has generated mistrust between operators and city authorities, prompting the deployment of armed police and enforcement teams during revenue collection exercises.
RCC warns instigators
Lira Resident City Commissioner Lawrence Egole condemned the road blockade and warned that investigators would pursue not only those who participated in the protest but also individuals suspected of inciting the unrest.
Lira Resident City Commissioner Lawrence Egole condemned the road blockade and warned that investigators would pursue those who participated. (Photo by Hudson Apunyo)
"As security for Lira City and the region, we do not support anybody taking the law into their own hands. More than 5,000 boda boda riders have already complied with the registration exercise, which shows that the majority support lawful processes," Egole said, adding, "We are investigating not only those who blocked the road but also those who may have encouraged them to do so. Their intention appears to be to disrupt peace and stability in the city."
Egole said security agencies would not tolerate impunity and stressed that maintaining peace was essential for business and development.
"We are working day and night to ensure Lira remains peaceful and attractive for business. When roads are blocked, many innocent people suffer because their businesses are disrupted," he said.
At the same time, Egole appealed to riders who have not yet registered to take advantage of the ongoing investigation period to comply with the city requirements.
"The registration exercise helps us identify genuine operators and enhances security. Boda boda riders play a very important role in development, and we encourage those who have not complied to register," he added.
Enforcement operation suspended
Responding to the incident, Lira City Mayor Sam Atul announced the temporary suspension of enforcement operations targeting unregistered riders pending investigations into the circumstances surrounding Ojuka's arrest.
"We appreciate the more than 5,000 riders who have already accepted to register as responsible citizens contributing to the development of Lira city. Unfortunately, because of actions by some of our employees who may not have handled the situation appropriately, one rider was injured, and tensions escalated," Atul said.
Atul said the registration programme had been developed jointly with boda boda leaders and was intended to improve security and streamline operations within the city.
According to the mayor, the agreed registration fee is sh35,000 per rider, broken down into: sh7,000 for the boda boda association, sh15,000 covers the digital identification card and sticker, while sh13,000 is remitted to Lira City Council as local revenue.
He disclosed that out of an estimated 8,000 boda boda riders operating within the city, a total of 5,181 have already registered, leaving approximately 2,819 yet to comply.
The mayor revealed that some riders from neighbouring Alebtong District have expressed interest in registering so they can legally operate within Lira City.
Call for dialogue
Atul acknowledged concerns regarding the management of the registration exercise and urged riders to use dialogue rather than confrontation.
"If there are concerns about how the exercise is being conducted, our doors remain open. We encourage dialogue rather than conflict," he said.
He cautioned journalists against sensational reporting that could damage the city's image.
"Lira is peaceful and open for business. Reporting that creates unnecessary panic may discourage investors and developers. What happened was unfortunate, but it was quickly contained and normalcy was restored," Atul explained.
By Monday evening, traffic had resumed, businesses had reopened, and boda boda operations had returned to normal, although investigations into the violence and the circumstances that triggered it remained ongoing.