Over 50 arrested over lack of permits in Kampala

Traffic Police has cracked the whip and arrested 50 suspects without valid driving licenses in Ndeeba, Makindye division. 

Speaking to New Vision, the Kampala Metropolitan Traffic Police Commander, Norman Musinga said the operation is underway, with the pilot exercise in Ndeeba and the Entebbe Highway. 

On Tuesday, the Traffic Police Chief, Dr. Stephen Kasiima launched operation ‘Tembeya Salama', literally meaning ‘reach well' in Kampala Metropolitan area ahead of the festive season. 

November, Kasima said, is the eve of Christmas, a period when Police registers close to the highest number of accidents across the country, as a result of reckless driving. 

Kasiima said the previous operation ‘Fika-Salama' was a success especially along Masaka Road.

"Most of the drivers vanished from the road and opted for other highways while others opted for the Kampala area. We are in Kampala to oust them. 

"During the operation we arrested 3920 suspects. Of the 3920, 800 were nabbed for reckless driving and were prosecuted before courts of law" Kasiima said.

Speaking via telephone, Musinga said the operation ‘Tembeya Salama' will target drivers without licenses. 

"The campaign is aimed at neutralizing road traffic accidents especially ahead of the festive season. Drivers without licenses will be arrested and cars in dangerous mechanical conditions will be impounded," Musinga said while addressing the media at Central Police Station in Kampala. 

Musinga added that the traffic personal and sister security operatives have been tasked to clamp all cars in a dangerous mechanical condition, reckless drivers, wrong parking, over-loading, boda boda operators without helmets and drunk drivers. 

He said that Police will set check-points along all main routes to Kampala to enable them arrest culprits and prosecute them.