Police orders locally remodeled motorcycles off the road

By Denish Ongora (denish.ongora@vol.co.ug)

Lira

Police in Lango have issued a directive to remove all locally modified motorcycles from the roads.

Over the past few years, a number of young people in Lango, particularly in Lira city, have been modifying motorcycles using a mix of old and new parts.

These modified motorcycles are known for their excessive noise, high speeds, and heavy smoke emissions.

According to Jimmy Patrick Okema, the spokesperson for North Kyoga police, it is against the law to modify motorcycles, and individuals found in possession of such motorcycles will face arrest.

Robert Okello Ayo, the spokesperson for Lira city, has highlighted that those involved in the fabrication and use of these motorcycles are contributing to noise pollution.

The Traffic and Road Safety Act of 1998, as amended in 2020, requires individuals seeking to modify motorcycles or vehicles to obtain permission from the chief licensing officer, a step that is often overlooked.

Ocari Ambrose, 30 who modifies motorcycles at his garage in Corner Kamdini, Teso Bar, Lira city west division, explained that these motorcycles are created as a more affordable alternative to the locally known “Digi” sports motorcycles.

Ocari mentioned that the modified motorcycles are assembled using parts from Linken and Senke motorcycles, as well as new components.

Before starting the modification process, Ocari says he ensures that the information on the motorcycle’s logbook matches its physical characteristics, including color, to avoid any legal issues with the police.

He also mentioned that he is in the process of consulting with the Uganda Revenue Authority to understand the necessary requirements to make more of such motorcycles.

Marion Ajwang, a resident of Lira city and a journalist attached to the Cooperator News, who has experience using a locally modified motorcycle, shared that while these motorcycles are comfortable and produce good sound, many of them lack indicators and horns, making them prone to road crashes.