The fight between two worrying boda-boda factions yesterday left scores injured and many motor bikes destroyed. The clashes which lasted several hours pitted members of Century Bodaboda Association against those of Bodaboda 2010. John Bosco Yiga one of the Century Bodaboda Association was seriously injured in the clashes. We found him in a clinic receiving treatment. He was cut with a sharp object and lost his consciousness. “During the attack, I was cut with a sharp object and I went unconscious.” Said, John Bosco Yiga – Assault Victim.

He said members of Bodaboda 2010 also destroyed his motor bike which he depended on for his livelihood. “My Bodaboda was vandalized and I don’t know to begin again.” Said, John Bosco Yiga. We met many other Bodaboda riders with wounds that they claimed were inflicted on them by the attackers. Sula Lubega the Chairperson of Century Bodaboda Association told NTV that the attackers’ intention was to throw their SACCO meeting in disarray but Bodaboda 2010 members denied the allegation. “They had fears that if we launched our SACCO, we would weaken their leadership.” Said, Sula Lubega – Chairperson, Century Bodaboda Association. “They kidnapped our colleague and beat him. Our security team only went there to rescue him.” Said, Seth Tumwesigye – General Secretary, Bodaboda 2010.

Seth Tumwesigye the General Secretary of Bodaboda 2010 said that they were the legitimate leaders of the industry and they could not look on as members of Century tried to highjack their leadership. “We were unarmed. We went there as leaders of the Bodaboda industry.” Said, Seth Tumwesigye. “Their term officially ended in May 2015. They are not legit.” Both factions believed that their rival was backed by big shots in the government. The Inspector General of Police General Kale Kayihura and Security Minister Henry Tumukunde were named as some of the god father on allegation they have previously denied.