Mobile Application Controls

So I require to move an object in Unity by using two UI buttons for a mobile application. I have been working on this for two weeks, but I only do unity as a hobby. I would love to know how to do it. I've set up event listeners and tested them to ensure they're working (e.g. Debug.log). But I'm finding it hard to use the input to then move the object. using UnityEngine; using System.Collections;

 public class Paddle : MonoBehaviour
 {
 
     public float paddleSpeed = 0f;
     private bool moveLeft;
     private bool moveRight;
     static float xPos;
 
     private Vector3 playerPos = new Vector3(0, -9f, 0);
     void start()
     {
         transform.position = playerPos;
     }
     void Update()
     {
         if(moveLeft && !moveRight)
         {
             paddleSpeed = paddleSpeed + 0.1f; Debug.Log("Right"); 
         }
         if(moveRight && !moveLeft)
         {
             paddleSpeed = paddleSpeed - 0.1f; Debug.Log("Left");
         }
 
         xPos = transform.position.x + paddleSpeed; 
         playerPos = new Vector3(Mathf.Clamp(xPos, -8f, 8f), -9f, 0f);
         transform.position = playerPos;
 
     }
     public void OnPointerDownRIGHT()
     {
         moveRight = false; Debug.Log("Right down");
     }
     public void OnPointerUpRIGHT()
     {
         moveRight = true; Debug.Log("Right up");
     }
     public void OnPointerDownLEFT()
     {
         moveLeft = false; Debug.Log("Left down");
     }
     public void OnPointerUpLEFT()
     {
         moveLeft = true; Debug.Log("Left up");
     }
 }

Now, the code above sort of works. Although I can't control it with the UI buttons and it keeps forcing the object to continually go right without any input. I know it probably sounds like an easy fix but I just can't see it. I've checked many other answers from other people asking questions about movement but they didn't really have a problem where I am having one.

I'm grateful for any feedback on my problem!