Tension as Gun Wielding Gangs Attack Boda boda Riders in Kitgum

Tension is high among Boda boda riders in Kitgum Municipality following attacks by gun-wielding criminal gangs.  The latest attack occurred around 1 am on Friday when three armed thugs intercepted Ayib Mambo, a Boda boda rider and resident of Lamit Cell in Pager division in Ayul Cell on his way home from watching the English premier league match.

It is alleged that the thugs who were riding a numberless motorcycle waylaid their victim leading to a fierce confrontation that led to his shooting before they made off with his motorcycle. Simon Oyet, the Chairperson of Kitgum District Boda-Boda Association, says that Mambo is currently nursing bullet wounds at Kitgum General Hospital.   

According to Oyet, despite registering numerous cases of robberies in the past, the current incidents present a shift in the mode of attacks, which has triggered panic among the riders. He explains that they have lost 22 motorcycles to thieves between January and April this year alone.   

//Cue in: “obedo laworo…..     

Cue out: ….ceto kwede,”//  

He says that they want the district security committee to launch an operation against the thugs. Richard Acellam, a Boda boda operator at Pager Bride Stage, says that the attacks are affecting his business since he has to conclude work early enough to avoid being waylaid by thugs.  

//Cue in: “ka in ineno….    

Cue out: ….pe obi lare”//     

Kitgum Resident District Commissioner, William Komakech regrets the incident, which he suspects is the work of organized criminal gangs that were thrown out of Gulu city.  

Komakech says that although no arrests have been made in connection to the attack, he has tasked police to investigate the incident.

//Cue in: “en tye ka nongo…..   

Cue out: ….for the guns,”//     

Komakech asked the riders to restrict their operations, ascertain the identities of the passengers they carry at night and avoid dark spots and distant places.