Alebtong Boda-Boda Riders Demand Shs217 Million Accountability from NRM District Leadership Over Election Mobilisation Funds

LCC TV NEWS

ALEBTONG, Uganda — A dispute has erupted in Alebtong District over Shs217 million allegedly sent to compensate approximately 3,000 boda-boda riders who participated in voter mobilisation activities during the January 2026 general elections. The riders, through their district leadership, have accused the National Resistance Movement (NRM) district leadership of withholding the funds.

Speaking to LCC RADIO at the North Kyoga Regional Office in Lira City on Thursday, Alebtong District Boda-Boda Chairperson Richard Ewany-Ewany said the riders are demanding full accountability for the funds. According to Ewany-Ewany, the money was reportedly intended for riders who actively participated in activities aimed at mobilising voters during the election period.

"The riders want a clear explanation from Alebtong District NRM Chairperson Robert Ocen Abia, whom they accuse of holding the money," Ewany-Ewany said. "We are prepared to listen to his explanation, but we demand transparency on how the funds were received and utilised."

Several riders, including Dickens Okello and Robert Opio, expressed frustration, stating they worked tirelessly during the election period but have allegedly not benefited from the money reportedly set aside for them. The riders maintain that receiving the funds would help them address various challenges affecting their families and livelihoods.

In response, Alebtong District NRM Chairperson Robert Ocen Abia denied that the money was intended for individual payments to boda-boda riders. Ocen told LCC RADIO that the funds were allocated for voter mobilisation and election-related activities, including supporting initiatives to encourage voter turnout, rather than direct payments to individual operators.

He further suggested that the complaints could be linked to individuals attempting to create confusion over the purpose and management of the funds.

The riders, however, maintain their position and are demanding a clear account of how the funds were handled. They are calling for transparency regarding who received the money, how it was spent, and why they were not paid.

LCC RADIO sought clarification from the North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson, SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, regarding the matter. At the time of filing this report, he had not responded to requests for comment.