News
Over 20 passenger buses intercepted in road safety crackdown
Drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol were subjected to breathalyser tests. Those whose tests indicated excessive alcohol levels were arrested and handed over to police for further action.
Traffic police officers during an impromptu compliance operation at Namayiba Bus Terminal in Kampala on Wednesday. Second from right is Asiati Nandutu, the OC Traffic at Old Kampala Police Station, while Justin Opus, the Deputy Commandant of Traffic for Kampala Metropolitan Area, is next to her. In the blue jacket is Patience Niwenyire, the Acting Principal Licensing Officer at the Ministry of Works and Transport. (Courtesy)
By: Samuel Balagadde, Journalist @New Vision
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More than 20 public passenger buses have been intercepted for illegal operations and drunk driving as part of an ongoing government crackdown aimed at reducing road crashes.
Drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol were subjected to breathalyser tests. Those whose tests indicated excessive alcohol levels were arrested and handed over to police for further action.
Some of the affected buses were found already loaded with passengers and ready to depart from their respective terminals despite having invalid Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licences. Others were being driven by unaccredited drivers.
Justin Opus, the Kampala Metropolitan Traffic Police deputy commandant, said bus drivers should not have any trace of alcohol or drugs in their bodies because of the large number of lives entrusted to them.
“This is a warning to all PSV drivers that punitive action will be taken against those driving passengers under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as this risks the lives of innocent passengers and other road users,” Opus said.
The early-morning impromptu joint operation on September 16, 2026, was conducted by the Ministry of Works and Transport and traffic police at the Namayiba and Kisenyi public bus terminals.
The operation was also extended to interstate buses, some of which were found operating illegally while others were being driven by unaccredited drivers.
Apollo Kashanku, the assistant commissioner for road transport regulations and safety at the Ministry of Works and Transport, who led the operation, urged bus operators to comply with statutory requirements to avoid inconveniences and ensure the safety of passengers and other road users.
“This is a warning to all PSV drivers that punitive action will be taken against those driving passengers under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as this risks the lives of innocent passengers and other road users,” Opus said.
The early-morning impromptu joint operation on September 16, 2026, was conducted by the Ministry of Works and Transport and traffic police at the Namayiba and Kisenyi public bus terminals.
The operation was also extended to interstate buses, some of which were found operating illegally while others were being driven by unaccredited drivers.
Apollo Kashanku, the assistant commissioner for road transport regulations and safety at the Ministry of Works and Transport, who led the operation, urged bus operators to comply with statutory requirements to avoid inconveniences and ensure the safety of passengers and other road users.
He said the ministry would not hesitate to crack down on buses found carrying passengers without undergoing the required roadworthiness inspection or being issued with an operator's licence.
Patience Niwenyine, the acting principal licensing officer at the Ministry of Works and Transport, said all buses and their respective drivers must be accredited.
“All PSV licenses are automated, and there is no forgery, and this applies to driver badges. We expect maximum compliance as far as all PSV statutory requirements are concerned,” she said.
The ministry, together with traffic police, recently launched an operation dubbed “Barabara Salaama” to address the recent increase in road crashes.
The operation follows a series of fatal crashes, including the crash involving King David Junior School, which claimed more than 25 lives, the majority of them pupils who had travelled to Kapchorwa for a tour.
Patience Niwenyine, the acting principal licensing officer at the Ministry of Works and Transport, said all buses and their respective drivers must be accredited.
“All PSV licenses are automated, and there is no forgery, and this applies to driver badges. We expect maximum compliance as far as all PSV statutory requirements are concerned,” she said.
The ministry, together with traffic police, recently launched an operation dubbed “Barabara Salaama” to address the recent increase in road crashes.
The operation follows a series of fatal crashes, including the crash involving King David Junior School, which claimed more than 25 lives, the majority of them pupils who had travelled to Kapchorwa for a tour.