UPDF speaks out on military checkpoints in and around Kampala
Latest reports indicate checkpoints at different locations, including Entebbe Road, Kinawataka, Mukwano Road, Kumbuzi on Gayaza Road (Kumbuzi), plus Kyanyanya on Mintyana Road.
UPDF acting Director of Defence Public Information, Col Chris Magezi. (File photo)
_______________
The UPDF Military Police and personnel of the Uganda Police Force have mounted roadblocks in the Kampala Metropolitan area, checking vehicles and, in some cases, searching vehicles plying different routes.
Latest reports indicate checkpoints at different locations, including Entebbe Road, Kinawataka, Mukwano Road, Kumbuzi on Gayaza Road (Kumbuzi), plus Kyanyanya on Mintyana Road.
Earlier today, March 10, the UPDF acting Director of Defence Public Information, Col Chris Magezi, in a public statement, explained that the operation was launched effective Monday, March 9, 2026, and will proceed in force for as long as necessary.
Full statement reads:
The UPDF Military Police Brigade, working with the Uganda Police Force have embarked on an operation to restore sanity on Ugandan roads, ensure full compliance with traffic regulations by ALL motorists, impound unregistered or numberless vehicles, and curb the illegal use of sirens, among other measures.
The operation was launched effective Monday, March 9, 2026, and will proceed in force for as long as necessary. This is therefore to dismiss the insinuations from some quarters that the snap checkpoints mounted by the Military and Uganda Police traffic corps is an effort to apprehend NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine). No one is looking for or interested in the NUP leader; the aim of the police forces is to restore discipline, total observance of traffic regulations, and curtail criminal activities by some motorists on the roads.
Besides, the enforcement measures are not new and have been employed in the past to achieve similar objectives. Motorists, including motorcyclists, are urged to cooperate and comply with the Military Police and Uganda Traffic Police directives for the common good."
Relatedly, the Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson has described these as "routine" operations aimed at curbing indiscipline on the road, targeting vehicles without number plates, unauthorised sirens, and drivers without permits.
Editor's advice to Motorists:
Expect delays due to searches.
Ensure all vehicle documents are valid.
Remove any illegal, military or police-style fittings, including unauthorised sirens and lights.