Serere | Authorities in the Serere district are currently looking into cases of highly coordinated theft involving animals and motorcycles.
This negative development has resulted in widespread insecurity among residents and property owners.
Serere’s Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Emmanuel Okot, revealed that certain individuals have invaded the district and are selling motorcycles under false pretences.
The scheme requires buyers to pay an initial deposit of approximately shs3 million, while sellers retain the sales agreement.
After 2-3 months, the sellers return, claiming the motorcycle was stolen in Nansana, Kampala, resulting in the rider’s arrest and the motorcycle’s confiscation.
Okot mentioned one victim from Pingire, whose identity is being withheld for investigative purposes, who was victimised by this scheme, but authorities have since obtained information on those involved.
Okot has promised to meet with all boda-boda riders in the district to discuss ways to combat this vice.
The RDC has warned riders against buying used motorcycles.
Hellen Adoa, Minister of State for Fisheries and Woman MP for Serere district, has issued a strong warning to security personnel, including the RDC, District Police Commander (DPC), District Internal Security Officer (DISO), and the entire police force.
She demanded that they step up their efforts to crack down on these criminals or be transferred out of Serere district.
Adoa chastised the security forces, saying that theft of animals and motorcycles in town councils should not go unnoticed.
She suggested that security personnel’s apparent reluctance to act indicates possible collusion with the criminals, prompting her call for their transfer.
Adoa urged Boda-boda riders to form and strengthen SACCO groups, encouraging financial growth through savings and support from well-wishers, in order to avoid falling victim to fraudulent motorcycle sales.
She donated shs2 million to the Atiira Boda-boda Association, advising them to invest the money wisely to increase their financial stability rather than dividing it among themselves.
Sam Asenu, chairperson of the Atiira sub-county Boda-boda association, accuses politicians of harbouring and shielding thieves, pointing out that political offices occasionally grant permission for such illegal operations.
He urged political leaders to be vigilant, citing the fact that external criminals cannot conduct business in the area without first learning about the local politics.
By Robert Edwomu
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