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Residents of Tororo district are living in panic following the increasing cases of murder of bodaboda riders by unknown people who later disappear with their motorcycles.

The residents on Monday morning woke to a rude shock after discovering the murdered body of a woman, which had been placed in the middle of the railway line, in Achilet B village in Nyangole sub-county.

Another body of a bodaboda rider was found lying in a pool of blood in Amagoro A North Village in Tororo municipality located along Morukatipe road.

The murder of the two individuals which has brought to over 10 people killed since the beginning of the New Year has caused a lot of panic among the residents who are now asking for answers from security and local leadership.

Bukedi south acting Police spokesperson Johnson Moses Mugwe confirmed the incident saying the bodies of the two unidentified victims have been conveyed to Tororo hospital mortuary for postmortem.

Police interventions

Mugwe said investigations into the incidents have been launched while calling upon the public with any information to approach the Police.

"We have not yet established the cause of their death until we get a postmortem report. I call upon the general public to remain calm but should co-operate and work closely with the Police," Mugwe told New Vision Online on Monday.

He added that they have embarked on community policing programmes to create awareness among the residents with a call on them to be extra vigilant and conscious.

He appealed to the public to always volunteer information to the people of the suspect while cautioning the riders to refrain from carrying people who are unfamiliar besides moving in dark places while at night.

Tororo district Police commander Adams Kimuli said they partnered with soldiers from Rubongi Army Barracks to conduct regular patrols and provide the necessary security. He called for calmness as the situation is under control despite some isolated cases.

However, district chairperson John Okea accused the Police leadership of being too weak and of collaborating with the wrong elements to cause uncertainty in the district.

Okea and Tororo deputy Resident District Commissioner Albert Amula are now demanding for the transfer of the Kimuli saying his services are no longer needed.