Nshimyimana said the riders are unaware of any official curfew or security directive restricting their operations and appealed to authorities to communicate such measures in advance.
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Boda boda riders operating in Kisoro Municipality have raised concerns over what they describe as frequent police patrols, saying the operations have left them working in fear of arrest and harassment.
The riders claim that whenever they spot a police patrol vehicle, particularly at around 8:00 p.m., they are forced to abandon their stages and flee to avoid having their motorcycles impounded or being assaulted by officers.
According to the riders, police officers often arrive without prior notice, ordering them to disperse without explaining the reason for the operation.
Speaking to our reporter, one of the riders, Darius Nshimyimana, said they are usually seated at their designated stage when police vehicles suddenly arrive and instruct them to leave, warning that those who remain risk being caned.
Nshimyimana said the riders are unaware of any official curfew or security directive restricting their operations and appealed to authorities to communicate such measures in advance. He argued that timely information would enable riders to comply with the law instead of fleeing whenever they see police patrol vehicles.
Another rider, who identified himself only as Innocent, echoed the same concerns. He called on the relevant authorities to publicly announce any curfew or security operation so that boda boda operators know when they are expected to end their work.
However, the Community Liaison Officer for Kisoro District Police, Arineitwe Boaz, rejected allegations that police are deliberately targeting boda boda riders.
He said the patrols are part of routine policing aimed at maintaining law and order, adding that riders who flee often do so because they are aware they are violating traffic regulations.
According to Arineitwe, many boda boda operators ride motorcycles with concealed or tilted number plates, making it difficult to identify them in the event of accidents. He also noted that some motorcycles lack side mirrors, while others operate without valid third-party insurance, all of which constitute offences under Uganda’s traffic laws.
He urged boda boda riders to comply with road safety regulations by ensuring their motorcycles meet all legal requirements, rather than running away whenever they encounter police patrols.