Subaru race lands six drivers in Masaka Police custody

MASAKA - Six Subaru drivers have been arrested after allegedly turning the Masaka-Kampala Highway into a racing track.

Police said on May 10, 2026, the suspects were arrested on Sunday following reports from concerned motorists who alerted Police about vehicles speeding, overtaking recklessly and racing through busy trading centres along the highway.

According to Police Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety spokesperson Michael Kananura, Police tracked the vehicles using the national Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance system.

The footage reportedly captured the cars at several locations, including Kyabakuza, Kijabwemi Roundabout, Nsenene Stage and Masaka Welcome Roundabout.

“The suspects were seen competing against each other on the road, actions that exposed other motorists to potential crashes,” Kananura said.

Police later intercepted the drivers at the Kadugala checkpoint before detaining them at Masaka Central Police Station pending court action.

The arrests come amid growing concern over the rising carnage on the country's roads, which, according to police, rose by 3.7% last year, with 4,602 crashes classified as fatal and 13,563 as serious.

Under the Traffic and Road Safety Act, reckless driving and unauthorised speed competitions on public roads are criminal offences punishable by heavy fines, imprisonment and suspension of driving permits.

Reckless driving attracts fines ranging from shillings 1.2 million to 1.8 million, imprisonment of between two and three years, or both.

Where the offence involves high-speed competition or racing, it may be elevated to dangerous driving, which carries stiffer penalties including fines of up to shillings two million and suspension or cancellation of driving permits for up to one year.

Repeat offenders risk permanent disqualification from holding a driving permit.
Section 108 of the Act specifically prohibits unauthorised competitions or speed trials on public roads without written approval from the Minister or the Inspector General of Police.

Police may also impound vehicles involved in such offences until court proceedings are concluded.

The consequences become more severe when reckless driving results in injury or death.

Drivers convicted of causing serious injury through dangerous driving can face up to five years in prison, while those responsible for fatal crashes may be jailed for up to 10 years or, in extreme cases, life imprisonment.

Motorists involved in speeding offences may additionally face Express Penalty Scheme (EPS) fines of shillings 200,000 per violation.

According to the 2025 Annual Crime and Traffic Safety Report released by Inspector General of Police Abas Byakagaba on March 30, 2026, road crash deaths rose by 4.7% to 5,383 over the last five years, translating to an average of 15 deaths every day, while serious injuries increased by 8.4% to 18,444 cases.

The report identified the period between 6:00pm and 8:00pm as the deadliest time on Ugandan roads, while Fridays recorded the highest number of crashes at nearly 4,000 incidents.

Motorcyclists and pedestrians remained the most vulnerable road users, with motorcycles involved in more than 15,000 crashes during the year.

Regionally, Albertine North, Rwenzori West and Masaka West recorded the highest crash severity rates.