KAMPALA: Police have so far arrested 14 boda boda riders in connection with the lynching of former United Nations employee Aziz Bashir.
Bashir, 40, was beaten to death by boda boda riders after he reportedly knocked one of their own on October 17, 2021 along the Mengo-Nateete road.
According to police spokesman Fred Enanga, the 14 suspects were arrested following a review of the videos and CCTV footage of the scene of crime.
The 14 suspects who are in custody on various charges of alleged murder, malicious damage and theft of car parts include the following Kanywasi Dan, Mutebi Martin, Talemwa Asafu, Waswa Samuel, Muto Richard, Wajabu Jackson, Kasolo Asuman, Nsubuga Ivan, Ssebugwawo Jimmy, Balilonda Emmanuel, Lugango Julius, Miyingo Joseph, Wejjuli Hilary and Ssentongo Henry.
“Expansive efforts are in place to track down more suspects including the initial bodaboda rider who brushed the victims car, those who gave him a chase, and those who subdued and stoned him to death,” Enanga said on Monday, 25 October 2021.
“We hope the arrests made so far, will serve as a strong lesson to all motorists especially bodaboda riders, that there are legal consequences to acts of road rage, especially when that rage turns violent,” he added.
Enanga also cautioned all motorists against road rage, saying it’s dangerous to other road users.
“It shows the lack of patience and civility on our roads, where every motorist assumes to be above the traffic laws. We also want to urge all motorists to figure out how to de-escalate, tense situations on the roads, before it gets out of control. As the Joint Security Agencies, we will not tolerate such kinds of careless and reckless behaviour on our roads. These arrests are a reminder that we will be relentless in preventing and solving violent crime in the country,” he added.