Traffic Police intensify checks on overloaded vehicles along Masaka Road

What the report says

The Ministry of Works and Transport and Traffic Police have increased enforcement along Masaka Road in Uganda, focusing on overloaded vehicles, missing paperwork, unroadworthy vehicles and suspected drunk driving. According to Nile Post, the operation took place at several checkpoints on the busy Kampala–Masaka corridor and involved inspections of trucks, buses and other public transport vehicles.

The teams were led by Commissioner for Transport Winston Katushabe and Traffic Police officers, including Deputy Director of Traffic ACP Norman Musinga. Officers checked roadworthiness, licensing, loading practices and driver documentation, and also used breathalyser tests for motorists suspected of drinking alcohol. The ministry said most of those tested passed. It said the action was meant to enforce existing traffic rules and reduce crashes by ensuring vehicles are safe, properly licensed and not overloaded.

One bus arriving from Tanzania was stopped after officers found passengers sharing space with a large amount of luggage, leaving limited room in the cabin. Police ordered passengers to disembark with their bags, saying the arrangement created a safety risk, and later said the driver and conductor were arrested. The operation also covered heavy trucks, including the increasingly common Sino trucks on the route.

The checks caused temporary congestion, and the ministry said similar exercises will continue in other parts of the country. Some drivers complained about charges linked to missing documents and asked for clearer guidance on enforcement requirements.