Traffic Police to Free Impounded Boda Bodas Across Uganda

Uganda Police has announced plans to release thousands of unclaimed boda bodas that are in their custody.

This plan will affect police stations across the country. These boda bodas are usually impounded during road safety operations by the police’s traffic department.

While speaking to journalists on Monday, traffic police spokesperson Michael Kananura said this release will apply to motorcycles impounded over minor offences. Additionally, Kananura confirmed that minor offences include not having permits, helmets, and reflective jackets.

Over the past years, traffic police have implemented stringent measures to make roads safe. These have particularly targeted boda bodas as statistics show that they contribute to the largest number of road accidents. The measures include enforcing the helmet guideline, where all motorcyclists are expected to wear them.

Recently, Police and Kampala Capital City Authority also launched a registration drive to issue driving licenses to boda bodas.The enforcement of the driving licenses has caused parking lots of police stations such as Wandegeya to become full.

“We have a number of motorcycles parked at different police stations across the country, most especially in the Kampala Metropolitan Area, that have not been claimed. We appeal to members of the public who have motorcycles parked at police stations to claim them. Come with documents pertaining to the motorcycle so that you can take it.” Kananura said.

Boda boda riders to pay fines

For riders to recover their bikes from Police, they are usually expected to pay fines and meet the standards they broke to warrant the impoundment.

“Most of these motorcycles parked at our police stations don’t have any pending investigations or inquiries ongoing, and even those whose motorcycles went missing could be among those parked at police stations. Owners should come for them.” Kananura said.

However, riders will be expected to prove ownership of their bikes before they can recover them. Similarly, they have to pay for express penalty tickets before taking them.On the contrary, riders whose motorcycles were allegedly involved in offences like robbery, murder, and accidents should not bother. This is because their bikes are instrumental to ongoing police investigations.