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The Uganda Police Force’s Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety on Thursday, May 2, 2024, impounded 93 motor vehicles in operations mounted by stations of Wandegeya, Katwe, Kabalagala, Kajjansi, Kawempe, Jinja Road, Kiira Division, Kiira Road and Central Police Station due to illegal sirens, roof lights, modified lights, and violation of one-way rules.

Micheal Kananura the Traffic Police spokesperson said, “Statements of the drivers have been recorded and they will appear to court as per the provisions of The Traffic & Road Safety Act 1998 as variously amended and its regulations.”

He warned that these operations will continue until all such vehicles are addressed.

“Therefore, the Police are warning all drivers/owners of vehicles in the aforementioned categories to comply and remove them before impoundment,” Kananura added.

This will not be the first time Police is launching a similar campaign. In February 2020, Police launched the same operation with the then deputy Police spokesperson Polly Namaye saying they were concerned that the vice was growing day by day and hence the need to crack down on offenders.

“This indiscipline has a great potential of creating unnecessary inconveniences to road users as well as increasing the number of road crashes which endanger lives and property,” Namaye said.

“We appeal to all road users, especially to all motorists to comply with all traffic regulations and desist from acts of indiscipline such as fixing sirens and emergency lights to their vehicles.”

Section 123 of the Traffic and Road Safety Act, 1998, gives the right of way to emergency vehicles defined as “a motor vehicle, trailer or engineering plant for the purpose of the police, ambulances, motor vehicles of armed forces and such other vehicles that may be designated by the minister by a statutory order.”

However, several individuals have abused the lights and sirens and have installed them on their vehicles often times inconveniencing members of the public.