Nine arrested after police intercept taxi ferrying 31 football fans

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The Uganda Police Force has arrested nine individuals, including the driver and several passengers of a commuter van that was dangerously overloaded on its way to a football match in Buwama, Mpigi district.

The vehicle, a Toyota Hiace with registration number UBH 183S, was intercepted on its route from Kampala to Masaka after being detected by traffic surveillance cameras.

According to authorities, the van was carrying 31 passengers, with 13 riding on the roof and 18 crammed inside, in clear violation of traffic safety laws. The number plates had also been deliberately obscured.

Michael Kananura, spokesperson for the Traffic and Road Safety Directorate, confirmed the arrests and outlined the charges.

"We are currently holding six individuals in custody — the driver and five passengers. The passengers are being charged with riding in a dangerous position, while the driver faces multiple charges, including concealing a number plate, driving out of class, and breach of operator’s licence," said Kananura.

He added that the operation was part of the Directorate's broader initiative to curb reckless behaviour on Uganda's roads using advanced surveillance technologies.

"This interception was made possible through our integrated camera network. It’s part of our ongoing efforts to monitor and reduce such dangerous practices that endanger lives," Kananura stated.

Following the arrests, the situation escalated when a group of supporters attempted to storm the Nsangi Police Station to demand the release of those detained. Police responded swiftly to the unrest.

"Three other individuals were arrested for obstruction and inciting violence. They, too, have been charged accordingly. The remaining group was dispersed from the scene," Kananura confirmed.

Kananura strongly condemned the actions of both the passengers and those who attempted to interfere with police duties.

"We strongly condemn this kind of reckless and unlawful behaviour. Such actions not only violate traffic regulations but also pose a serious risk to public safety. We’ve recorded several tragic crashes linked to similar negligence, often resulting in fatalities and severe injuries."

He urged the public to comply with traffic regulations and respect law enforcement operations aimed at ensuring safety on Ugandan roads.

"As the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, we remain committed to the strict enforcement of traffic laws to protect all road users. We call upon the public to cooperate with police and avoid any behaviour that compromises road safety or obstructs police work," he said.

Rising incidents

The 2024 annual crime report, released in March, revealed that 5,144 people died in road crashes, marking a 7% increase from the 4,806 deaths recorded in 2023. Additionally, 17,013 people suffered serious injuries in 2024, representing a 1.7% rise.

The report also noted a 6.4% increase in the total number of reported road crashes, rising from 23,608 in 2023 to 25,107 in 2024. The number of fatal crashes rose by 6.1%, from 4,179 in 2023 to 4,434 in 2024. Serious crashes increased by 5.2%, from 12,487 in 2023 to 13,134 in 2024. Minor crashes saw an 8.6% rise, increasing from 6,942 in 2023 to 7,539 in 2024.

Fatal crashes involve at least one death, serious crashes involve injuries without fatalities, and minor crashes result in vehicle damage with no injuries or deaths.

According to the report, the highest number of crashes, 2,445, occurred in December, while the lowest, 1,863, was recorded in April. The report also showed that more crashes were reported on Sundays than on any other day of the week in 2024, followed by Saturdays and Mondays.