Police Intercept Seven Buses Over Route Chart Violations

What the report says

Nile Post reported that police impounded seven public service vehicle buses at the Njeru checkpoint after finding that their drivers had breached route chart conditions. Traffic Police said one driver had left the authorised route, while six others arrived earlier than the schedules set out in their approved route charts. The drivers were charged and appeared in court on Wednesday, according to the report.

Traffic Police spokesperson Michael Kananura said the enforcement action was part of continuing efforts to make passenger transport operators follow the rules attached to PSV operations. He warned that both bus owners and drivers are expected to comply with authorised routes and timetables, and that deviations can lead to prosecution.

The action comes amid a wider crackdown on traffic violations after a series of fatal crashes involving buses. Nile Post said authorities have increased inspections at major checkpoints, including Njeru and the Nile Bridge, focusing on route breaches, unlicensed services and vehicles suspected to be unroadworthy. The report linked the heightened enforcement to the Kapchorwa District crash in which 24 people died, after which the Ministry of Education and Sports suspended school trips and educational tours nationwide.

The article also cited broader government concerns about non-compliance in the public transport sector, including findings that many buses involved in recent deadly crashes were allegedly operating without valid PSV licences or mandatory mechanical clearance. Nile Post further noted that the government had earlier suspended Nile Star Bus Limited operations after repeated crashes on the West Nile and Gulu–Arua highway corridor, requiring inspections and other corrective steps.