Residents of Kabale Town are raising alarms over increased security threats, with theft and violent crimes becoming prevalent as the festive season approaches. Criminal activities, particularly along poorly lit streets, have left residents and boda-boda riders fearing for their safety.
The situation is especially dire after 9 PM, as people return home from work or social activities. Locals say that organized gangs and motorcycle riders target unsuspecting individuals, with some criminals disguising themselves as boda-boda passengers to rob riders and, in some cases, steal their motorcycles.
Hotspots for these criminal activities include key areas in Kabale Town, such as Kabale-Kisoro Road (between Kabale Municipal Council Offices and Kabale Stadium), the Truck Park (commonly known as Esso), Rwakaraba Bridge, Nyabikoni Bridge—infamously referred to as “Death Valley”—Mwanjari Bridge, Makanga, the route via Kabale Abattoir, and Kekubo, among others according to the locals that Kigezi Television interviewed.
Boda-boda riders, including Brian Twijukye from the Katuna Active Supermarket stage and Caleb Ampurira from the Former Taxi Park stage, voiced their frustrations. They highlighted the dangers of being attacked while working at night, often under the guise of carrying passengers.
“Many streetlights are not functional, and this has triggered theft, especially of motorcycles,” said Ampurira, who blamed police negligence for the rise in crime. Twijukye added, “This festive season, security in Kabale Town is becoming a serious threat, with boda riders as prime targets for these thieves. I urge all boda riders to remain vigilant and cautious with the passengers they carry.”
Both residents and boda-boda riders attribute the surge in crime to a lack of police patrols and non-functional streetlights, which have created “death spots” that embolden criminals.
Fredrick Ndyamuhakyi, the manager of Agaba Motel in Kabale Town, described the growing challenges for businesses such as bars, whose customers are often targeted on their way home. “I recently witnessed someone being robbed near my workplace. There are gangs, including some boda-boda riders, contributing to the insecurity in town. Most of the people snatching belongings from others are on motorcycles,” he said.
Ndyamuhakyi also criticized the police for relaxing night patrols and urged them to resume their duties. “Most places in town are becoming extremely dangerous at night. Without functioning streetlights, it’s easy for thugs to ambush people. The police no longer patrol, and we are left to fend for ourselves,” he lamented.
Responding to these concerns, ASP Elly Maate, the Kigezi Region Police Spokesperson, acknowledged the issue and promised immediate action. “We are working to address the issue by increasing night patrols in these areas. We also encourage community leaders to collaborate with us to fix the streetlight issues and identify hotspots for better policing,” he said.
Maate further advised residents to avoid walking alone at night, steer clear of dark spots, and always board motorcycles from designated stages. He emphasized the importance of vigilance during the festive season.
As Kabale Town gears up for the festive season, residents are calling for urgent measures to restore safety and security. Without timely interventions, the joy of the season risks being overshadowed by fear and crime.
ENDS/////
Great sensation
Thank you