Uganda: Traffic Police Impound Taxis in Safety Operation On Gulu Road

What the report says

Ugandan traffic police and officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport carried out a joint enforcement operation on the Kampala-Gulu Highway, focusing on commuter taxis, buses and trucks that were suspected of breaking road safety rules. According to the report distributed by AllAfrica from The Independent (Kampala), several taxis were impounded after officers found they lacked the mandatory blue stripe and were carrying luggage on the roof, while some drivers were arrested.

The operation was led by ACP Norman Musinga, deputy director of traffic and road safety, at the Matugga checkpoint. Authorities said the checks were designed to target unqualified drivers, vehicles in dangerous mechanical condition and other unroadworthy transport. Some motorists asked for time to produce documents such as driving permits, but officers ordered the vehicles parked pending breakdown services instead.

Ministry spokesperson Allan Ssempebwa said the crackdown is intended to address illegal passenger transport, including vehicles operating without required markings and safety standards. Traffic police spokesperson SP Michael Kananura said carrying passengers with luggage on top of taxis breaches public service vehicle regulations. The report said at least 14 drivers were arrested for offences including speeding, overloading, driving without permits or badges, using mechanically defective vehicles and violating route charts.

Officials said the surprise checks will continue on major highways, with the next operation set for the Kampala-Jinja Highway. The enforcement comes amid wider concern about Uganda’s road safety record, which the article said remains under pressure from a high number of crashes.