79 apprehended in ‘Barabara salama’ traffic crackdown
Michael Kananura, the Uganda Police Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety spokesperson, said the initiative specifically targeted illegal vehicle modifications, vehicles in Dangerous Mechanical Conditions (DMCs), and breaches of operator licenses.
Michael Kananura, the Uganda Police Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety spokesperson addressing journalists at Naguru Police Headquarters today (August 31). (Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo)
________________
A total of 79 road users were apprehended last week for various traffic violations during a joint enforcement operation by the Ministry of Works and Transport and the Uganda Police Force.
Code-named 'Barabara Salama' (Swahili for "Safe Roads"), the crackdown was conducted at the Kigombya checkpoint in Mukono along the eastern route.
Michael Kananura, the Uganda Police Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety spokesperson, said the initiative specifically targeted illegal vehicle modifications, vehicles in Dangerous Mechanical Conditions (DMCs), and breaches of operator licenses.
The 79 apprehended individuals were cited for a range of offenses: 35 omnibuses and taxis were found carrying passengers beyond their licensed capacity; 20 vehicles were found to have illegal modifications; 15 were operating in dangerous mechanical conditions; seven buses had violated their authorised route charts; and two motorists were found in possession of illegal sirens.
Kananura said the bus, originally licensed to carry passengers, had been illegally modified by sealing off the passenger section to transport cargo.
“This is an illegal modification, and it is not allowed at all,” Kananura stated.
The intensified enforcement comes at a time when Uganda is grappling with a rise in road accidents.
Kananura urged all road users, particularly public service vehicle operators, truck owners, and drivers, to strictly comply with traffic regulations and ensure their vehicles meet all required safety standards to protect passengers and save lives.
Kananura said more than 178 public service vehicles have since been impounded for being in a Dangerous Mechanical Condition.
The vehicles had defects including faulty brakes, worn-out tyres and compromised structural components.
Traffic statistics
While releasing the 2025 annual traffic statistics in April this year, Traffic and Safety Directorate Director at the Uganda Police Force, Lawrence Niwabiine, said a total of 26,044 road traffic crashes were reported in 2025, compared to 25,107 crashes recorded in 2024, representing an increase of 3.7%.
Niwabiine said that of the 26,044 crashes, 4,602 were fatal, meaning that one or more lives were lost, while 13,563 were serious and 7,879 were minor.