Police arrest rider ferrying nine children from same family on motorcycle
Traffic and Road Safety Directorate spokesperson Micheal Kananura said the suspect has since been charged and is currently detained at Kakiri Police Station pending court proceedings.
Police have arrested a bodaboda (UEA 067F) rider, Allan Musisi, after he was intercepted transporting nine children. (Courtesy photo)
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Police on Monday (May 4) arrested a bodaboda (UEA 067F) rider, Allan Musisi, after he was intercepted transporting nine children.
Traffic and Road Safety Directorate spokesperson Micheal Kananura said the suspect has since been charged and is currently detained at Kakiri Police Station pending court proceedings.
“All the nine children belong to one family and were reportedly prepared by the parent and handed over to the rider for transport. We strongly urge parents and guardians to desist from such dangerous practices. Such situations are preventable if safety is taken seriously. Let us prioritise the protection and well-being of our children at all times,” Kananura said.
The statement by Kananura immediately drew different reactions on social media, with some asking Police to also charge the parents.
Dr Daniel Ojilong said, “Arrest the parents too. The State's interests in protecting the rights of children override parental rights when actions endanger children. They will find another willing boda to do the same.”
Ivan Mugume wondered, “Why isn't the parent detained for negligence? The boda guy may be wrong, but certainly at the urging of the parent. The parents are complicit in the crime.”
While releasing the 2025 annual crime report for 2025 in April this year, Traffic and Road Safety director, Lawrence Nuwabiine, said road accidents increased by 3.7%. The report indicated that the number of crashes increased from 25,107 in 2024 to 26,044 in 2025.
Nuwabiine said of the 26,044 crashes, 4,602 were fatal, while 13,563 were serious and 7,879 were minor.
The deaths recorded also increased by 4.7% from 5,144 in 2024 to 5,383 in 2025, while serious injuries also increased by 8.4% from 17,013 in 2024 to 18,444 in 2025.
The police report indicated that the highest number of crashes were registered in December, with 2,443 cases and the lowest at 1,978 in June, with 1,978. Fatalities followed a similar pattern, with the highest recorded in October with 523 and the lowest in June with 390.
The traffic police director attributed the increased crashes and fatalities to peak periods, which come with higher travel demand, increased commercial activity and longer travel distances, especially during the festive season.