By Emmanuel Olinga
Tension is mounting in Katakwi District after two boda-boda riders were arrested for allegedly vandalizing security solar lights installed by Ngariam County Independent Candidate, Daniel Mulalu, in two villages of Ajesais Parish, Getom Sub County.
The incident has sparked outrage among residents, local leaders, and the business community, who described the act as “a direct attack on community progress.”
The vandalized solar lights were part of an ongoing initiative funded by Mulalu to improve security and stimulate nighttime economic activity in trading centers across Ngariam County.
The project includes 42 trading centers, each equipped with solar-powered lighting systems aimed at reducing insecurity, supporting businesses, and transforming the area into a more vibrant night economy.
The suspects, identified as Solomon Adipa, 22, a resident of Otiakol Village, and James Okiro, 25, from Pailakol Village, were apprehended on Tuesday morning at around 11 a.m.
The duo, both boda-boda riders, were found in possession of materials suspected to have been removed from a solar lighting installation.
Their arrest was executed by a team from the Katakwi Boda-Boda Association, led by Olupot Eria, the district chairperson, in collaboration with residents from Pailekol and Otiakol villages.
According to Olupot, the boda-boda community could not stand by as members engaged in acts that undermine the safety and livelihoods of the people they serve.
The LC1 Chairperson of Otiakol Village, Joseph Aciiria, said the arrest was the result of close cooperation between community members and boda-boda riders who had grown tired of persistent vandalism that threatens development projects.
He noted that the villages had been eagerly anticipating the improved safety promised by the solar lights.
Aciiria explained that such acts not only drag the community backwards but also break the trust invested in leaders striving to bring visible improvements.
Adding to the shock of the incident was the reaction of James Okiro’s father, who revealed that his son has a long history of petty theft and misconduct.
He insisted that the law should take its course even if the family sought reconciliation, stressing that impunity had allowed such behavior to persist.
Olupot, the district boda-boda chairperson, condemned the actions of his colleagues, noting that such crimes tarnish the reputation of boda-boda riders who play a vital role in local transport and security reporting.
He urged other riders to uphold discipline and avoid politically motivated wrongdoing that could escalate tensions as campaigns intensify.
In response to the incident, candidate Daniel Mulalu expressed deep disappointment, stating that he had invested Ugx 9 million in only six poles at Getom Corner and a total of Ugx 285 million to light up all 42 trading centers in the county.
He said the project was intended to boost business and curb night thefts, but vandalism threatened to derail these gains.
Mulalu also lamented the increasing destruction of his campaign materials, revealing that more than half of the 3,500 posters he had installed around Ngariam County had been defaced or torn in recent weeks.
He called for political tolerance and discipline among candidates and their supporters, warning that acts of sabotage only deepen divisions within the community.
A section of residents and traders in Getom, among them Charles Oonyu, Joseph Ekwe, Rose Amoding, and Oliver Takali, expressed anger over the vandalism and threatened to defend community projects if such acts continue.
They noted that the solar lights had already begun transforming the trading centers by extending business hours and reducing fear of nighttime attacks.
The residents further appealed to leaders at all levels to ensure that community development initiatives are protected, regardless of political differences.
Katakwi Resident District Commissioner (RDC) and District Security Committee Chairperson, Stephen Okure Ilemukorit, weighed in on the incident, warning political agents and candidates against promoting violence or indulging in provocative behavior.
He emphasized that the district security team would not hesitate to take action against instigators of election-related unrest.
Ilemukorit urged all candidates to champion peace and avoid actions that could lead to clashes during the campaign period.
About Author
