RUBIRIZI,UGANDA– Rubirizi Traffic Police have introduced breathalyser machines to test for drunk riding as part of efforts to curb road accidents in the district.
The ongoing operations also target reckless riders, theft, poor hygiene, and riders who endanger passengers’ lives.
Afande Twebaze Richard, Officer in Charge of Traffic in Rubirizi, urged bodaboda riders to be clean, disciplined, and hardworking as the crackdown on rogue riders intensifies.
“Bodaboda riders should love their job and embrace a saving culture to improve their households and support government efforts to fight crime in society,” he said.
Twebaze made the remarks today during a dialogue meeting with bodaboda riders and taxi drivers held at Nyakasharu playground. He revealed that Rubirizi District has registered 48 accidents since January 2026. Of these, 4 were fatal, 30 caused serious injuries, and 10 were minor. Thirty of the 48 cases involved bodabodas.
He warned that thieves posing as bodaboda riders at stages will be arrested, saying such acts have fueled crime and theft and will not be tolerated.
District Police Commander Afande Lilian Kikobye said bodaboda riders play a key role in community safety and development and must partner with government to fight criminality, over speeding, and theft.
“Any rider caught riding under the influence will be arrested and taken to court,” she warned.
Kikobye urged riders to prioritize passenger safety, exercise discipline while driving, and help police report criminals hiding at stages to steal passengers’ property.
Mr. Barigye Deo, Chairperson of the Rubirizi Bodaboda Association, urged riders to be role models, avoid over speeding, and keep fake riders off stages. He also encouraged them to work with their families to develop their homes and embrace a saving culture to avoid poverty and domestic conflicts.
Bazurizi Johnbosco, a bodaboda rider from Nyakasharu stage, thanked traffic police for the new guidelines, saying the training would help riders stay safe and clean and prevent accidents.
*Reported by:* Tugume Muzafaru, Senior Reporter, Rubirizi
