Police in Jinja District have launched an investigation into the murder of a boda boda rider whose body was discovered Monday morning in a sugarcane plantation in Mutai Village, Buwenge Sub-county.
The deceased, identified as Yosia Kayima, was a resident of Namulesa Ward in Jinja City. Preliminary findings indicate that unknown assailants killed Kayima before fleeing with his motorcycle.
Local residents discovered the body early Monday morning and alerted local leaders, who subsequently notified the police. Officers documented the crime scene before transferring the body to a mortuary for a postmortem examination.
Rising wave of crime
The Vice Chairperson of Mutai Central, Mr. Lazaro Isabirye, said he alerted the authorities immediately after receiving news of the incident. He noted that violent attacks by unidentified assailants have become alarmingly frequent in the area.
“This is not an isolated incident. We have lost at least five people in similar attacks in recent months. The situation has created widespread fear, especially among boda boda riders who operate at night,” Mr. Isabirye said.
He urged security agencies to intensify both daytime and nighttime patrols and strengthen intelligence operations to restore public confidence.
Ms. Namaganda Katwaalo, the Woman Representative for Mutai Busibe, condemned the killing and called for urgent, collaborative security measures.
“These repeated murders are deeply worrying. Security agencies must work closely with local communities to identify those behind these attacks before more innocent lives are lost,” Ms. Katwaalo said.
Leaders demand CCTV surveillance
Highlighting the growing danger, Jinja District LCV Chairperson Mr. Moses Bataala categorized the area as a hotspot for violent crime. He urged the government to intervene by installing surveillance cameras along the main road passing through Mutai.
“Security cameras would not only deter criminals but also provide crucial evidence to help investigators identify suspects and improve public safety,” Mr. Bataala noted.
Confirming the incident, the Acting Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Jinja District, Mr. George Wilson Bameka, assured the public that security agencies are actively pursuing the perpetrators.
“We are aware of the increasing insecurity in the area, and investigations are underway,” Mr. Bameka said. “We appeal to members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with investigators by providing any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects.”
By press time, the deceased’s motorcycle had not yet been recovered, and police investigations into murder and aggravated robbery remain ongoing.