Ugandan police have arrested 18 drivers accused of using illegal sirens and flashing or swivelling lights as part of an ongoing traffic enforcement operation.
The drivers were arrested on Wednesday along the eastern route in Mukono District during Operation Tekeleza Sheria, a joint traffic enforcement campaign involving the Uganda Police Force and the UPDF Military Police.
Police said the suspects were detained and were due to appear before the Mukono Chief Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 24 September.
Traffic Police spokesperson Superintendent Michael Kananura said the operation was continuing and warned motorists against using equipment or registration plates in ways prohibited by traffic regulations.
“We continue to caution motorists who are still using illegal sirens and swivelling lights, concealed number plates or driving vehicles without number plates to immediately comply with the law. Those found in violation will be arrested and taken to court,” Kananura said.
He added: “Let us comply with the law and keep our roads safe.”
The operation was launched on 15 September by the UPDF Military Police Brigade in coordination with Uganda Traffic Police. It initially focused on the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area but was announced as a wider operation targeting traffic violations across the country.
Police say its targets include vehicles fitted with illegal sirens and swivelling or flashing lights, vehicles being driven without number plates and those whose registration plates have been concealed. The operation also covers other traffic violations involving security personnel and government or institutional vehicles.
The crackdown is one of several road-safety operations currently being conducted by the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety.
By 21 September, police said 70 vehicles had been impounded under Tekeleza Sheria. Seven drivers had appeared in court, with six convicted and one remanded, while other case files were awaiting consideration by regional state attorneys.
The authorities have said the wider campaign is intended to improve compliance with traffic regulations and reduce road crashes.
Police have urged motorists to remove unauthorised equipment, uncover or obtain proper registration plates and ensure their vehicles comply with the law before they are intercepted during enforcement operations.
