Bodaboda rider urged to follow regulations

PIC: Msgr John Wynand Katende and other priests on burial of his sister Nalongo Regina Nakitende Mutebi at Mpatta Village in Mukono district. (Credit: Juliet Lukwago)

ORBITUARY 
     
MUKONO - The second vicar of Kampala Archdiocese, Msgr Dr Lawrence Ssemusu, has urged bodaboda riders to observe road signs, traffic rules and regulations in order to reduce the rampant accidents in the country.

Ssemusu said a number of Ugandans have lost their lives in road accidents as a result of speeding and carelessness of bodaboda riders, who take road rules and regulations for granted.   
 
He noted most of the bodaboda motorcyclists are not trained and have no driving permits. He also accused riders of indiscipline, adding that some of them ride on pavements.

Ssemusu made the remarks while addressing mourners after requiem mass in honour of Nalongo Regina Nakitende Mutebi, 52, (pictured left) a resident of Mpatta Village in Mukono district.

Nakitende was on Monday knocked dead by a speeding bodaboda rider at Mbalala village as she was walking.

She was the daughter of Mzee Alfred Ddamulira and sister to Msgr John Wynand Katende, the spokesperson of Kampala Archdiocese. She was also in charge of Foyer De Charities, a retreat centre also known as "Kyoto" at Namugongo.   

Ssemusu urged authorities to set tough regulations in order to rein in on the riders, saying they should be treated like other motorists.
 
Among the mourners was Buganda minister Charles Bwenvu, who represented Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga. The others included Priests, Prof. Ssemakula Kiwanuka and religious leaders.
  
In his message Mayiga consoled Ddamulira for the loss of his daughter and asked God to encourage him through such a trying time.

Archbishop of Kampala Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, who is out of the country eulogised Nakitende as a dedicated person who served both the church and people.

The widower, Ssalongo Mutebi, told mourners that they had spent 27 years in their marriage and were blessed with 12 children.