Uganda Police have stepped up road safety enforcement, with nearly nine in 10 public service vehicles inspected under an ongoing crackdown failing to meet required mechanical standards.
The Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety said 499 public service vehicles had been impounded since the launch of “Operation Ganyegenya”, which targets taxis operating in dangerous mechanical condition. Of the 369 vehicles inspected so far, only 42 passed, while 328 failed.
A further 65 vehicles have undergone re-inspection, with 39 passing and 26 failing, police said.
Last week alone, 130 vehicles were impounded as the operation entered its 27th day.
“The 100-day period is a grace period intended to give taxi operators an opportunity to put their vehicles in proper mechanical condition,” police spokesperson Michael Kananura said.
He warned that enforcement would be intensified once the grace period ends, with offenders facing arrest and prosecution.
Police have also extended the operation into the night after receiving reports that some operators were driving after dark to evade enforcement.
Kananura urged taxi operators to voluntarily take their vehicles for inspection rather than wait to be stopped and impounded.
The crackdown is part of three road safety operations being conducted by police, including Operation Babala Salama, a joint initiative with the Ministry of Works and Transport targeting licensing and compliance among public service vehicles and heavy trucks.
Under the operation, Sinotruk and other relevant heavy-truck operators have been given 60 days to voluntarily present their vehicles for inspection. Police said the grace period does not cover vehicles found on the road in dangerous mechanical condition.
So far, 148 vehicles have been inspected under the operation. Of these, 107 passed while 41 failed and were deregistered, according to police.
Police and the UPDF Military Police are also conducting “Operation Tekeleza Sheria”, targeting vehicles fitted with illegal sirens or flashing and swivelling lights, vehicles without number plates and those with concealed plates. Security personnel found violating traffic regulations are also being targeted.
Seventy vehicles have been impounded under the operation. Seven drivers have appeared in court, with six convicted and one remanded, while other cases are awaiting sanction by Regional State Attorneys, police said.
Police said the operations would continue as authorities seek greater compliance with traffic laws and improved road safety.
The force also warned school bus operators and drivers to ensure their vehicles have valid inspection reports and that drivers possess the required badges before transporting children.
Vehicles found to be mechanically unsafe may be barred from carrying learners, police said, urging operators to have their vehicles inspected before they are stopped on the road.
“Road safety is a shared responsibility,” the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety said, urging road users and transport operators to comply with safety requirements before enforcement action is taken.
