Ibanda Police generates sh3.4m from boda boda SOPs violators

But this has not deterred other boda boda operators from breaking the current partial lockdown guidelines, said Michael Akaturinda, the Ibanda acting district Police commander (DPC).

The Police chief said that the cyclists are adamantly carrying more than one passenger and working during curfew time contrary to guidelines issued by the President on June 31.

“This defiance is exposing residents to Covid-19 besides the risk of accidents as the riders over speed to evade the security personnel manning roadblocks,” he said.

However, Akaturinda said the district Covid-19 task force and municipal officials would meet leaders of boda boda riders over the matter. 

The DPC encouraged the operators to self-regulate to avoid run-ins with the security, and loss of income in case their motorcycles are impounded for defying guidelines.

However, Elias Tumubweine, the Ibanda district vice-chairman, encouraged the Police to impound the bikes of adamant operators. 

“If they adamantly continue defying the guidelines, impound the motorcycles. If someone spends two or three days without earning, they will learn the hard way and avoid repeating the same,” he noted.

Penalised

The Police issued 84 boda boda riders with tickets under express penalty scheme, raising sh3.4m. 

According to Akaturinda, a total of 15 motor vehicles were also impounded and owners were cautioned and released by the district Covid-19 task force.

Relatedly, 56 people were arrested for breaking lockdown rules, six of whom were charged for involvement in a negligent act likely to spread an infection contrary to section 171 of the Penal Code Act. 

The remaining 50 people were cautioned and released without a charge.

Source: New Vision