By George Bukenya
As we are tending to Christmas period, Uganda Police has issued a sombre warning to motorist to strictly follow the traffic rules and regulations least they will face it rough will law enforces who are helping to stop offenders of traffic rules.
According to the Police mouth piece ACP Rusoke Kituuma, the offenders when nabbed may be inconvenienced and detained more than 48 hours because even the courts will be closed during the holidays. The move is aimed at curbing down the rampant road accidents and traffic congestion that occur during such a busy travel period.
While speaking to reporters in the press conference at Naguru Police Headquarters, Rusoke said that there are people who buy motor vehicle during this period and go on roads without the necessary requirements while others bring out their cars from their garages but in poor mechanical conditions and end up causing road crushes these will be arrested and detained.
Bus drivers are required to have badges and uniforms and their photos should be placed inside the bus at a visible side for passengers to see and recognize whether the person driving the bus is the one appears on the photograph. If passengers sees another person they should report to police using the toll free lines beow.
“The syndrome of ‘gamba n’ogwo’ via phone calls to the high ranking Police officer will no work this time if a motorist has committed a traffic offence he will be detained even in the real festive days,’’ ACP Rusoke reiteriarated the Minister of Transport statement.
In preparation for the increased traffic and potential violations, the police have already set up snap checks and checkpoints on major highways and roads across the country. Officers are particularly focusing on motorists who are driving without valid driving permits, those with vehicles under dangerous mechanical condition and drink-driving individuals. Furthermore, over speeding will be closely monitored, with penalties for offenders expected to be strictly enforced.
Traffic and road safety spokesperson Michael Kananura revealed that, during a recent operation targeting bus drivers, 76 drivers were arrested for various offenses. He highlighted the importance of these operations in maintaining safety, as last year saw a disturbing rise in fatalities during the festive period.
“ We are strengthening operations on over speeding and reckless driving, un safe over taking because these instances are a major cause of road crushes,’’ Kananura stated.
He also said that during the period of January to June, 2024, there has been an increase of fatalities of 5.7% and 2,042 deaths were registered and from 23rd, December, 2023 to 1st January, 2024, the fatal crushes that occurred took 60% of the lives of the victims involved.
He also cautioned against the use of school buses for transporting passengers during the holidays, stressing that these vehicles are not meant for public transport and can be unsafe when used for such purposes even their drivers are not conversant with some of the long routes.
“As law enforcers we’re urging all motorists to exercise caution and follow traffic regulations to prevent road crushes and ensure a safe and enjoyable festive season for all Ugandans. With the increased deployment of officers and heightened surveillance, the police are determined to maintain order on the roads throughout the holidays.’’ He said.