Police warn fans as Africa Kwetu Fuel Economy Fuel Tour 2026 rolls out

With Uganda grappling with a rise in road accidents, the Traffic Police Directorate has warned motorists transporting sports fans to avoid overloading, over speeding and other dangerous practices that continue to claim lives on the country's roads.

The warning was issued by Traffic Police spokesperson SP Michael Kananura during the launch of the Africa Kwetu Fuel Economy Fuel Tour 2026 in Kampala.

Kananura said Police remain concerned by the conduct of some motorists ferrying supporters to football matches and other sporting events, where traffic regulations are often ignored and abused.

“We have always noticed this norm that when people are going for matches, other sporting competitions, they transfer that excitement of going and also coming from games to driving and that is very dangerous,”

Justine Mungoma speaking at the press conference

“We have noticed that when they are driving, and chanting, some are always drunk. This is a very dangerous habit because it has led to crashes and we condemn it and warn drivers to stop it,” warned Kananura.

He condemned the practice of carrying passengers on the roofs of taxis and minibuses and urged rally spectators to keep within designated viewing areas instead of standing on roads or attempting to cross rally routes as competing cars approach.

“We all know that road safety is everyone’s responsibility, you as passengers into these vehicles, the drivers, why do you keep watch and see such happen, waiting to lose lives? This must stop, please sit inside the vehicles, and load numbers that are recommended and move carefully until you reach your destinations,” he added.

His message comes at a time when road safety has become an increasing concern across the country, with sport among the sectors that have not been spared.

Over the years, supporters traveling to and from Masaza Cup matches have been involved in fatal crashes, an example being the accident that involved Kyaggwe fans who were travelling from a football match against Gomba when their taxi crashed in Butambala but findings showed that they were over speeding and had overloaded the vehicle, and in other sports disciplines, road crashes have been reported.

Similar incidents have occurred during secondary school sports competitions, highlighting the need for greater discipline whenever large numbers of fans and athletes’ travel.

It is against this backdrop that Kananura welcomed the Africa Kwetu Fuel Economy Fuel Tour, saying initiatives that encourage responsible driving complement police efforts to reduce road crashes.

The annual tour, launched in 2020, promotes road safety, fuel-efficient driving, environmental conservation, and domestic tourism.

This year's edition, running from August 27th to 30th, will cover about1,000km across western Uganda.

Activities will begin with vehicle scrutineering at Shell Naguru, before crews drive through Masaka, Lake Mburo National Park, Mbarara, Ntungamo Coffee Park, Lake Bunyonyi, Kabale and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, before returning to Mbarara for the prize-giving ceremony at Hotel Triangle.

Tour manager Justin Mungoma said strict monitoring will be enforced to ensure crews comply with speed limits, route regulations and fuel efficiency requirements. He revealed that seven crews had already registered, with organisers targeting not more than 30 crews.

“So far, seven crews have registered but we are targeting not more than 30. Our crews should expect lots of activities on the tour and it is an opportunity to learn many things about their country,” said Mungoma.

Each crew, comprising a driver and navigator, will pay an entry fee of sh650,000 only.

Mungoma welcomed Vivo Energy Uganda, the marketer of Shell fuels and lubricants, as a new partner. Under the partnership, Shell service stations will host key activities, including scrutineering at Shell Naguru and stopovers along the route.