Sh20m presidential pledge splits Kamwenge bodaboda riders
The dispute, centred on how the funds were distributed and utilised, has deepened divisions between riders in the constituencies of Kibale and Kibale East.
Riders from Kibale East constituency claim they were excluded from benefits, accusing the association’s leadership of favouritism. (Credit: Hillary Abinsinguza)
KAMWENGE - A shilling 20 million pledge made by President Yoweri Museveni in 2012 to uplift Kamwenge’s bodaboda riders has split them.
The pledge, which was reportedly fulfilled recently, has ignited a bitter feud between two constituencies, with allegations of financial mismanagement and exclusion sparking calls for government intervention.
The dispute, centred on how the funds were distributed and utilised, has deepened divisions between riders in the constituencies of Kibale and Kibale East.
The controversy started when the Greater Kamwenge District Bodaboda Association confirmed receipt of the presidential funds, intended to improve riders’ livelihoods.
However, riders from Kibale East constituency claim they were excluded from benefits, accusing the association’s leadership of favouritism.
Association chairperson Byamukama Erick aka Young has faced criticism for charging shillings 900,000 per stage for registration, a fee riders say is irregular.
Frank Muhumuza, a rider representative from Nkoma-Katalyeba town council, lambasted the leadership’s handling of the funds, “There’s no accountability for the money collected from stages. The chairperson is making dictatorial decisions, like choosing where to build the association’s offices without consulting riders.”
He urged the district officials to intervene.
Infrastructure and financial allegations
Riders accuse the association of misusing funds for projects like constructing offices without rider input.
“The construction works are ongoing, but riders weren’t part of the decisions. This is a betrayal of trust,” Muhumuza said, urging the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), District Security Officer (DSO), and police commander to mediate before the situation worsens.
Deputy Resident District Commissioner (DRDC) Namara Loy Batuuze acknowledged the complaints in a formal letter presented to her by Kibale East riders.
“The district security team will investigate. We ask all parties to maintain calm while we resolve this,” she said.