Western Equatoria State Governor General Alfred Futuyo Karaba on Monday issued a one-month ultimatum to the boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) riders and traffic police authorities in Yambio to resolve their ongoing dispute.
The conflict began last month when traffic police launched a crackdown on motorcycles without number plates, logbooks, and insurance. The motorcyclists argued that the enforcement disrupted their work and prevented them from earning a living, claiming that traffic officers occasionally forced them to transport passengers on the roads.
In response to the escalating tensions, boda-boda riders attempted to block traffic twice in protest, prompting Governor Futuyo to convene a meeting between the boda-boda riders and police.
As part of the resolution, Governor Futuyo ordered the cessation of all collections from motorcycle riders in the town and he directed that the traffic police and the Boda-boda Riders Association engage in dialogue to find common ground. He also urged the Traffic Police Director in Yambio to facilitate the local production of logbooks and licenses rather than ordering them from Juba.
Governor Futuyo emphasized the importance of cooperation between boda-boda riders and the police and emphasized that the riders should adhere to traffic regulations while discouraging their involvement in political matters.
“The arrangement is this, and it will be for one month. We will bring machines for issuing licenses and logbooks and all these things will be produced here in the state,” Futuyo decreed. “The money we collect should benefit the state, like building the Yambio Freedom Square. The money being sent to Juba is not serving any purpose, and there is no benefit from it. So, from today, 9 October to 9 November 9, I need everything to be ready here on the ground.”
A cross-section of boda-boda riders welcomed the governor’s decision and urged the traffic police authorities to reduce the fees levied on them.
Paul Emmanuel Minzani, a rider in Yambio, expressed his satisfaction with the governor’s orders and said it would allow him to work and earn money while the matter is being resolved. He voiced his concerns about the misuse of collected funds, especially for insurance, which he claims has never been used to support accident victims in Yambio.
Another rider, John Taban, highlighted the harassment they faced from traffic police even when in possession of valid logbooks and licenses and thanked the governor for his intervention.