Traffic police launch operation against impunity on roads

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Traffic Police, Field Force Unit-FFU, and the Military Police have launched joint security operations targeting errant motorists driving with impunity. Traffic police spokesperson Faridah Nampiima, says that the operation follows a spike in the cases of impunity by motorists on the roads, which sometimes results in loss of lives.

“We have started a joint operation involving the traffic police, Field Force Unit, and military police to crack down on those driving with impunity on roads, The operation will majorly focus on peak hours in the morning and evening. We want sanity to return to the roads,” Nampiima said.

She explains that the operation is targeting motorists with illegal sirens and flashlights. According to the police, motorists with illegal sirens including both on government and private vehicles use them to illegally gain the right of way they are not entitled to.

“Most of them don’t have the right of way. They install flashlights or sirens in order to gain the right of way. But this time, we will arrest the drivers and force them to remove the flashlights and sirens. Police will remove all unauthorized flashlights on private and government registered vehicles,” Nampiima has noted.

According to Nampiima, they will not only arrest drivers with illegal sirens but also hunt garage owners that install them.

Asked about the security personnel who have been cited severally for violating traffic regulations, Nampiima said this is the reason why they have decided to conduct joint operations with other security agencies to handle the errant motorists.

She explains that the errant security personnel will be handed over to the military police for appropriate action. “Why should you put a security jacket in the car? Whether you are in the forces or not, don’t put the jacket on the seat. It is not a car cover. If we get you, we shall arrest you.” Nampiima added.

A Traffic Police officer from Kira-road station who is part of the operation, said they picked up several suspects on Wampewo road, Acacia Avenue, Binayisa road at Mulago roundabout and Lugogo bypass. The suspects were found driving in the wrong lanes on a one-way lane.

“The enforcement operation orders came over the weekend from KMP commandants. We are not sparing anybody including those so-called government officials that are not supposed to have the right of way. Most are getting express penalty tickets,” the officer said.

Several operations have been launched previously with the intention to crack down on motorists driving with impunity on Ugandan roads. Despite this, the impunity has continued with the major culprit being top government officials and security personnel.

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