Editor
Security authorities in Kabale District attribute the increase in robbery cases to the presence of unofficial Boda Boda stages operating during nighttime hours.
At the Fourth Kabale District Council Session for the financial year 2023/2025, District Internal Security Officer Reuben Mutabazi emphasized the District Security Committee’s directive to ensure that all Boda Boda stages in Kabale are officially recognized and registered for better management.
Mutabazi revealed that Kabale experiences an average of two robbery cases per week, with many incidents going unreported. He identified Boda Boda cyclists, street children involved in theft and housebreaking at night, and suspected criminals at washing bays in Kabale Municipality as major challenges. To tackle these issues, the District Security Committee has instructed relevant authorities to regulate washing bay operations and implement measures to address homelessness among street children.
Mutabazi’s statements were made in response to concerns raised by Kabale District Speaker of Council, Flavia Nyinakiiza Kanagizi, regarding various security challenges. Kanagizi highlighted incidents of highway robbery along the Kabale-Mbarara highway, particularly in the hills of Kabaraga area, as well as cases of robberies resulting in loss of life, property, and injuries to locals.
In addressing these concerns, Kabale District Boda Boda Association Secretary, Alex Niwagaba, attributed the issue to suspected criminals posing as Boda Boda cyclists, infiltrating from Rubanda District and rural areas of Katuna and Kyobugombe to operate in Kabale town at night. Niwagaba outlined measures taken by the association, including the official recognition of six out of 130 Boda Boda stages in Kabale District for nighttime operation.
These recognized stages, including Monalisa, Skyline, Posta, Highland, and Mutambuka Boda Boda Stage, are strategically positioned in Kabale town, considering the volume of nighttime economic activities, bus and taxi parking areas. Niwagaba stressed the importance of selecting stages in secure locations where customers can easily identify cyclists before hiring their services.
