Ingenuity vs road safety: Police impound 'illegally' modified vehicle

JINJA - The Police have impounded a vehicle that was reportedly illegally modified, as part of ongoing efforts to enforce road safety compliance.

The Toyota Mark X that was converted into a pickup was seized at the Jinja Bridge on Friday during routine checks conducted under the #ArriveAlive Phase II operations, according to Michael Kananura, the spokesperson for the Traffic and Road Safety Directorate.

“Such modifications are unlawful and pose a serious risk to road safety,” he said in a post on social media platform X.

“Vehicles are designed and approved for specific uses, and altering their structure compromises stability, braking systems and overall safety.”

Kananura said some motorists convert their private cars into makeshift cargo carriers in a bid to cut costs or evade regulation.

Police warned that unapproved structural changes often render vehicles unroadworthy and increase the likelihood of crashes, particularly on busy highways and major crossings such as Jinja Bridge, which handles heavy traffic daily.

The #ArriveAlive Phase II Police campaign targets speeding, reckless driving, unroadworthy vehicles and non-compliance with traffic regulations.

“No stone will be left unturned in enforcing road safety and compliance. Motorists are advised to ensure their vehicles meet the required standards before taking them on the road,” said Kananura.

The traffic directorate said similar enforcement operations will continue countrywide, warning that drivers found flouting traffic laws risk arrest, fines or having their vehicles impounded.

Kananura said some motorists convert their private cars into makeshift cargo carriers in a bid to cut costs or evade regulation.

Divided opinion

Meanwhile, the latest impoundment has sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some Ugandans applauding the Police action while others questioning the approach.

“Good job. I wish your officers were also consistent on lighting. When will you start impounding trucks that drive at night without rear lights?” one wrote.

In contrast, another appeared impressed by the ingenuity, arguing that the modification reflected Ugandan creativity and warned against stifling innovation.

“Afande, you are going to kill an industry," they wrote.

That very user said vehicle modification is a well-developed sector in countries such as the United States and Europe, including tourist vehicles that generate foreign exchange.
Similarly, another X user said the action exposed gaps in regulation rather than criminal intent. 

They cited provisions in the Traffic and Road Safety Act requiring approval from the Chief Licensing Officer but questioned the absence of clear, published technical standards.

“Where are the measurable rules? Maximum cut length, torsional rigidity, rear overhang limits or crash-test equivalents?” the user asked, urging the government to publish transparent, engineering-based modification guidelines to guide innovators while safeguarding public safety.

They also called for standardised inspection equipment and emission testing, arguing that enforcement should focus on reducing real risks rather than penalising creativity.

The Uganda Police Force is not the only entity against modifications on vehicles. 
Insurers generally also regard vehicle modifications as high risk, often increasing premiums or avoiding cover altogether if changes are not disclosed. 

In some cases, extreme or illegal modifications may lead insurers to deny coverage entirely, leaving motorists exposed to financial loss in the event of an accident.