''Hired replacements'' for drunk drivers

By Brian Mayanja

Two private companies, and allegedly the Police, have unveiled an initiative they have termed ‘replacement drivers’ to help drunk motorists get home safely in their own cars.

For the project, the partnership involves Uganda Breweries Limited and Kampala Taxi City Cab.

Felix Isabirye, the managing director Kampala Taxi City Cab, said they came up with the initiative to curb accidents caused by drink driving.

“We realised that motorists spend a lot of money treating causalities or repairing cars. Once you call us, we send two replacement drivers. One to drive you and another in our staff vehicle following,” he said.

For instance, Isabirye said, from Ntinda to Muyenga, one has to pay between sh25,000 and sh30,000.

Asked how safe it was for motorists to trust them, Isabirye said Kampala Taxi City Cab is a registered company and all its drivers have identity cards. “Even when they are driving you home, we keep in touch,” he added.

But the Police, denied being part of the programme. “It is a good initiative but Police is not involved,” Judith Nabakooba, the spokesperson, said.

The initiative comes after Police chief Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura directed that those arrested for drink-driving should not be released on bond until they are arraigned in court.