By Francis Nizeyimana and Gerald Niyirinda
The Chairperson of Kisoro United Boda Boda Association (KUBO) Robert Kalangala Nteziyaremye is facing charges of simple robbery filed against him at Kisoro Police Station.
Byekwaso Evarist, 44, a boda boda rider at Kabagore Stage in Nyundo Sub County, Kisoro district claims, that he was victim to a crime committed by Kalangala Robert and two others.
Byekwaso, who subscribed as a boda boda operator under Bukimbiri Boda Boda Operators (BUBO) said he was attacked by Kalangala Robert and two others while at Rubuguri Stage in Kisoro Municipality.
Byekwaso who filed a Police case before going to Kisoro Hospital for treatment says Kalangala, his defense Secretary Miri and another man who was not recognizable pounced on him demanding for unpaid dues for parking at the Stage.
“During the scuffle that lasted close to 20 minutes, I sustained some injuries, lost my 570,000 Ugandan Shillings which was shopping money for my Bar and Shop, my mobile phone, Byekwaso explained.
Mugabe Robert, the chairperson of Bukimbiri United Boda Boda Operators said the continuous harassment of boda boda riders from Bukimbiri is no longer acceptable.
Mugabe says the organization that is fully registered and within its rights to operate in Kisoro district has procured the services of a lawyer who is going to follow up the matters to until their logical conclusion.
“We have suffered at the hands of Robert Kalangala and his members who have impounded 11 motorcycles from our members since we started operating last year, at least we managed to recover nine of them but this harassment and intimidation must stop”, Mugabe explained.
According to Mugabe, the KUBO members are looking for all ways to incite BUBO members into a fight so that their image and credibility can be tainted.
He said their members have been sensitized not to fight back but to use the legal option to obtain justice.
Eyewitnesses tell different Story
Several eyewitnesses who were parked at Rubuguri Stage when the scuffle ensued between Byekwaso and Kalangala say Byekwaso started the fight.
They claim Kalangala and his colleagues were called upon when Byekwaso was not recognizable at the stage and demanded to know from the leaders where he had come from.
Upon arrival at the Stage, Kalangala and his defense secretary asked Byekwaso for proper identification and other particulars when he began throwing stones at the KUBO leaders.
Kalangala and his team allegedly retreated and did not touch or maim the man.
Robert Kalangala said the accusations against him are baseless and he is prepared to defend himself in courts of law.
He noted that several boda boda Organizations in Kisoro were started to outcompete KUBO but they all failed because they lack good leadership and their wrong motives are often exposed to the public.
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