Over 200 motorcycles have been impounded by police from Kampala metropolitan area for allegedly violating presidential directives barring against carrying passengers.

According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, Patrick Onyango, the riders of the boda bodas and their passengers were also arrested in the same operation.

Onyango says most of the boda bodas were impounded along Kampala–Jinja road, Northern bypass, and Bombo road in Wandegeya, city centre and other parts of Wakiso areas.Whereas government restricted boda bodas to just cargo transport as a preventive measure to stop the spread of coronavirus disease, the high transport fares, traffic jam and need to earn a living has forced some boda boda riders to prematurely resume operations.

“In the operation police officers arrested both riders and their passengers that were violating ministry of Health guidelines,” said Onyango.Onyango explains that the suspects will be charged with disobedience of lawful orders and doing acts likely to spread infectious disease and that this will serve as a warning to people who continue defying regulations on motorcycles.

“We appeal to motorcyclists to stop carrying passengers and to only carrying luggage,” Onyango said.