Over 450 drivers arrested in nationwide traffic crackdown

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Traffic Police say they have intensified nationwide operations after arresting 473 drivers in one week over a range of traffic violations, including dangerous mechanical conditions, illegal vehicle modifications, lack of valid driving licences and reckless driving practices.

Speaking on November 24, 2024, at Kampala city-based Naguru Police headquarters, Traffic Police spokesperson Michael Kananura said the operations come at a time when the country is entering the last quarter of the year, a period associated with heavy travel, school breaks, returning travellers, public events and heightened political campaign activities.

“We are seeing a significant increase in road usage across the country, which unfortunately comes with greater risks of congestion and road crashes if road users do not exercise caution,” Kananura said.

He noted that recent months have recorded several serious road crashes involving buses and trucks, with investigations repeatedly pointing to the same causes: speeding, dangerous overtaking, driver fatigue, especially at night, faulty brakes, worn-out tyres, defective lighting systems and dangerous loading.

Kananura said the ongoing operations specifically target those driving without valid licences, vehicles in dangerous mechanical condition, and vehicles with illegal or modified lighting.

“You have seen vehicles whose drivers add lights that are extremely bright and hazardous on the road. We are also targeting bus drivers operating without badges, those violating road charts, and drivers who recklessly overtake or speed. These will be tracked both through roadside enforcement and CCTV monitoring,” he said.

He added that the crackdown also focuses on vehicles carrying excess passengers, dangerously loaded trucks, and broken-down or abandoned vehicles that pose hazards on major routes.

Arrests 

According to Police records from last week’s enforcement, 225 drivers were arrested for dangerous or poor mechanical conditions, 142 for illegal vehicle modifications, 28 for invalid or missing driving licences, 27 for dangerous loading, 16 for road chart violations and nine bus drivers for operating without badges. 

Another 10 bus drivers were arrested for lacking road charts, eight drivers were found with forged documents, including road charts, badges and driving licences, while eight others were apprehended for violations related to broken-down and abandoned vehicles.

Ensure your vehicle is mechanically sound

Kananura urged motorists to take personal responsibility by ensuring their vehicles are in good mechanical condition instead of waiting for enforcement operations. 

He warned bus and taxi operators against carrying excess passengers or operating without valid licences and badges, particularly for bus drivers.

He also appealed to passengers to speak out when drivers of public service vehicles commit traffic violations and reminded pedestrians to use designated crossing points where available.

He further encouraged cyclists and passengers to wear helmets and reflective gear at all times.

“Speeding and careless overtaking remain the leading causes of fatalities on our roads, and they are preventable,” Kananura emphasised.

He added that: “Campaigns are temporary while life is permanent. Elections will pass, but the consequences of reckless behaviour can be irreversible. Your family, your community and your country need you alive, not injured or imprisoned due to avoidable misconduct.”