Four attacked by ironbar hitmen, motorcycles stolen

PIC: Joseph Sekyanzi was hit with an ironbar on the head in Busaabala. (Credit: Violet Nabantanzi)

CRIME

KAMPALA - Four bodaboda cyclists are nursing serious wounds at Mulago National Referral Hospital in the capital after they were attacked by ironbar hitmen in different locations.

The victims are currently admitted at the hospital's neurosurgery ward in Old Mulago and have undergone operations. They are steadily improving.

The ward had about ten ironbar victims but by the time reporting this. Others had since been discharged.

The hospital's spokesperson, Enock Kusasira, said the health facility usually receives about three victims daily, adding that majority of them are discharged after recovery.

What the victims say

Rogers Kyobe, 24, was attacked in Kasokoso by his passenger, whom he had picked from Mutungo at Kunya stage. Kyobe lost consciousness as well as his motocycle. The following day, he was found in a trench by bodaboda cyclists, who rushed him to Mulago Hospital fro treatment.

His wife said they had spent a lot of money on his hospital bills.

"My husband has been the bread winner at home. He is in pain. We have spent a lot of money on hospital bills and we are still spending," a teary Shadia Nanteza said.

She said her husband had just bought the motorcycle from a friend. "Can you imagine we have spent sh200, 000 on a brain scan and sh900, 000 on drugs?"

Steven Lubega said he was hit on head with an ironbar by the his two passengers before reaching their destination in Nabweru.

"One of the passengers pulled a metallic object from the jacket and hit me on the head, before they took off with my motorcycle."

Lubega, who was hit last Sunday, had secured a loan from the bank to buy his motorcycle. He said he had just completed servicing the loan and had started saving some money.

His wife Annet Byeganje, who is nursing his wounds, said they have spent over sh1m on him so far in hospital.

Allan Kyandia had just joined the bodaboda business and what a rude awakening it was for the 18-year-old! He was hit on the head with a metallic object in Namugongo last week.

Joseph Sekyanzi is also nursing head injuries after he was hit several times on head in the same manner as the others. His motorcycle was also stolen.