Gen. Tumukunde on the Spot as Angry Riders Demand Promised UGX 30,000 Each

Rukungiri: Over 500 boda boda riders in Rukungiri District are accusing Gen. Henry Tumukunde of refusing to pay them their facilitation after participating in his convoy following his nomination as the NRM candidate for Rukungiri Municipality.  

The angry riders, who had escorted Gen. Tumukunde from town to the district headquarters for nomination and later to Nyamayenje Playground in Southern Division for a rally, later stormed the home of Ingrid Turinawe Kamateneti in Butagatsi Ward, Western Division, on the evening of October 23, seeking for assistance. Ingrid is also vying for the same parliamentary seat on the PFF ticket.  

According to the riders, they had agreed with Tumukunde’s team to be paid UGX 30,000 each for the day’s work. They said Tumukunde’s team registered them before the rally, promising payment at the end of the day. However, after escorting the convoy from morning until evening even through heavy rainfall they waited in vain for their facilitation at Nyamayenje Playground.  

Among those who expressed frustration were Emmanuel Twesigomwe, commonly known as Emmy from Karera Boda Boda Stage, Dickson Nabimara, also known as Kirarwire, and Derrick Muhumuza from Rwentondo Stage. They said it was painful to work tirelessly, fuel their own motorcycles, and yet receive nothing in return.  

CUE IN….VOXPOP ANGRY BODABODA…RR

Other riders, including Amon from Rubanga and Kenneth Twesigomwe from Sena Stage, said they rode in the rally through various areas of Rukungiri Municipality  including Rwentondo, Karangaro, Kafunda, and Kitimba but all they received was lunch. They described the situation as unfair and humiliating.  

CUE IN…..BODABODA ON PAYMENTS..RR  

When the boda boda riders reached Ingrid Turinawe’s home, she welcomed them, saying they looked hungry, cold, and frustrated. She offered them tea and comfort.  

Ingrid explained that the riders, who had earlier been blocking her convoy during the nomination process, came wearing Tumukunde-branded T-shirts, which they handed over to her as a sign of shifting allegiance to her team.  

She added that the 500 riders had been promised UGX 30,000 each totaling UGX 15 million but Gen. Tumukunde’s team failed to fulfill the promise. Ingrid urged the riders to remain calm and to always support leaders who are approachable and truthful.  

CUE IN….. INGRID ON BODABODA…RR  

When our reporter tried to get a comment from Gen. Henry Tumukunde, the effort was futile as his known phone number was unavailable.