Police Arrest 28 Drivers in Festive Season Drink-Driving Crackdown

What the report says

Police in Kampala have arrested 28 drivers accused of driving under the influence of alcohol in an early-morning enforcement operation aimed at reducing road accidents ahead of the festive season, according to Nile Post. Traffic Police spokesperson Michael Kananura said the arrests were made during impromptu checks held between 4:00am and 6:30am on Monday, November 9.

The operation is part of a wider traffic enforcement campaign that began on November 6 and is being run in three phases before, during and after the Christmas and New Year period. Nile Post reported that police are targeting motorists who ignore traffic rules or create safety risks, including drink-driving, careless driving, dangerous overtaking, unroadworthy vehicles, overloaded public transport, and drivers with unpaid Express Penalty Scheme fines.

Police said the initial phase of the crackdown also led to the impounding of 737 vehicles in Kampala over unpaid EPS penalties. The campaign includes enforcement, public awareness, traffic management and coordination with other security agencies and road safety stakeholders.

Kananura warned that the holiday season often brings heavier travel and more pressure on the road network, increasing the risk of crashes. He urged motorists to observe traffic laws and avoid alcohol before driving, saying the goal of the operation is to prevent avoidable deaths and injuries on the roads.