Kong’asis County Member of Parliament, Hon. Kapyagon Brian Besta, has raised a matter of national importance in Parliament over the continued impounding of Kenyan-registered boda bodas operating along the Uganda-Kenya border in Bukwo District.

Kapyagon says many boda boda riders in the border communities purchase motorcycles from Kitale in Kenya because they are cheaper, and subsequently use them to transport passengers around border points, including areas around Kanyarwat and Kapnandi.

He says the Uganda Revenue Authority is currently impounding some of the motorcycles and imposing charges of up to 200,000 shillings, a move he says is affecting the livelihoods of boda boda operators who provide essential transport services to communities along the border.

The MP has called on the Ministers responsible for Internal Affairs and East African Community Affairs to intervene and consider allowing the motorcycles to operate within border areas under provisions of East African regional trade arrangements.

Kapyagon warned that tensions between URA officials and boda boda riders are already rising, revealing that the riders reportedly staged unrest last week, resulting in confrontations with URA officials.

He urged the government to urgently address the matter to prevent further conflict and ensure that the affected boda boda operators can continue serving communities along the border.

In response, the Speaker directed the Government Chief Whip to arrange a meeting between Hon. Kapyagon Brian Besta and URA officials to find a solution to what he described as a complicated matter.