Gateway Bus: A Safe Journey or a Haven for Thieves?

Uganda Today Edition: Gateway Bus: A Safe Journey or a Haven for Thieves?

Concerns over passenger safety on buses plying southwestern Uganda, particularly those operated by Gateway Bus Services, have reached a boiling point. Allegations of connivance between bus staff and thieves posing as travelers have sparked outrage and a call for immediate intervention.

Dr. Ronald Arineitwe’s Ordeal

Dr. Ronald Arineitwe Kibonire, a victim of this alleged collusion, shared his harrowing experience. On the night of January 15, 2025, Dr. Arineitwe and his friend boarded a Gateway bus from Kampala to Kabale. They consumed nothing during the journey but woke up in a dire state, unconscious and robbed of their belongings. Gateway staff abandoned them, offering no medical assistance or police notification.

When Dr. Arineitwe regained consciousness 15 hours later, he discovered his money and phone were missing. Reporting the incident to Kabale Police Station, he learned that his case was not isolated—it was the ninth such incident in two weeks. Dr. Arineitwe suspects two women seated near him may have been involved in his poisoning, raising questions about potential criminal networks operating on these buses.

A Pattern of Crime

Supporting Dr. Arineitwe’s claims, Oscar Okech shared a similar account involving his nephew. The young man was targeted while traveling to Kasese. Though the bus company in this case provided some assistance, police confirmed the rising prevalence of such crimes.

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According to Mr. Okech, the culprits employ a sinister method:

1. A handkerchief soaked in chloroform is concealed in a plastic bag (Kaveera).
2. When the victim falls asleep, the perpetrators wave the handkerchief near their nose, rendering them unconscious.
3. The criminals then rob the victim of phones, money, and other valuables.

Evidence from the Authorities

Speaking exclusively to Uganda Today, DPC Kabale acknowledged receiving information about  these occurrences, underlining the urgent need for thorough investigations and appropriate action from law enforcement and transport authorities.  Listen to the full audio response here.

The Call for Accountability

Dr. Arineitwe has formally appealed to the Inspector General of Police, the Commissioner for Transport, and the Ministry of Transport to address the following:

1. Conducting a thorough investigation into these incidents.
2. Holding Gateway Bus Services accountable for their apparent negligence.
3. Instituting strict safety protocols on buses.
4. Punishing individuals involved in the poisoning and thefts.

Passenger safety should be a non-negotiable priority for transport companies. Gateway Bus Services’ lack of accountability and failure to report such incidents have raised serious concerns among Ugandans.

A Warning to Travelers

As investigations unfold, passengers are urged to remain vigilant while traveling. The rise of these crimes highlights the need for passengers to safeguard their belongings and report suspicious behavior immediately.

Stay informed. Stay safe. Together, let’s demand better accountability and security for our journeys.

Published by Uganda Today, your trusted source for news and analysis

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