A boda boda rider in Mukono has been arrested alongside his two young children for staging a protest against the rampant theft of motorcycles in the district.
Livingstone Waibi also accused the police of failing to respond the crisis and mishandling and instead execabate the matter.
Waibi took to the streets at the busy Kayunga Road Junction, holding placards with bold messages.
One of the placards read: “I am in pain because the police have failed to eliminate boda boda thieves especially by arresting them. Police refused to arrest Swaib Matende, a notorious mechanic who buys stolen motorcycles.”
His demonstration quickly drew the attention of authorities, leading to the arrest of Waibi and his children aged 8 and 10.
They were briefly detained at Mukono Police Station before being released on bond.
Speaking after his release, Waibi accused Mukono Division Police of failing to act on reports implicating Matende, whom he alleges is behind many motorcycle thefts.
“I’ve been fighting for justice, but the police are not helping. They refuse to take action against Matende, who I believe is behind many of these thefts,” Waibi said.
In an emotional interview, he described the devastating impact of losing his motorcycles, which he relied on to support his family, including a disabled child.
“I am struggling to pay school fees, provide food, and cover medical expenses for my children because of the loss of my motorcycles,” Waibi said tearfully.
He provided photographic evidence of two stolen motorcycles-UFQ 047W and UFB 516K -and detailed how they were taken.
He also accused police officers of soliciting money from him to track Matende’s phone, only to later claim they were unable to locate it.
Following the arrest, local boda boda riders, led by their leader Anatoli Wamala, condemned the police’s handling of the situation.
“We are disappointed with how the police have dealt with our concerns. We are urging all riders to be cautious when carrying passengers,” Wamala said.
In response, Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango said Waibi should return to the police for guidance.
“We advised him to be patient as investigations continue. Although Matende remains at large, our officers are actively working to track his whereabouts,” Onyango added.
Waibi’s protest and subsequent arrest underscore the growing frustration among Mukono’s boda boda riders over police inaction on motorcycle theft, deepening tensions between the community and local authorities.
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