Police have confirmed the detention of the driver of a commuter coaster, registration number UBP 991U, after the vehicle was intercepted late last night at the Jinja New Nile Bridge Checkpoint for gross overloading and endangering passenger safety.
According to Michael Kananura, the Police spokesperson for traffic and road safety, the vehicle was traveling from Pallisa to Kampala when a concerned passenger onboard alerted authorities about the dangerous conditions.
Upon inspection, police officers found extra chairs placed in the aisle of the vehicle, with several passengers seated beyond the vehicle’s legally permitted capacity. Authorities described the setup as a serious breach of traffic safety regulations, posing a significant risk to all occupants.
“This reminds us that road safety is a collective responsibility,” Kananura said in a statement shared on social media. “We commend the individual who reported the matter and urge all passengers and members of the public to continue playing an active role in ensuring safety on our roads.”
The Uganda Police Force reiterated its commitment to enforcing road safety measures and called on passengers to remain vigilant and report violations that may put lives at risk.
The detained driver is expected to face charges related to overloading and endangering passengers under Uganda’s traffic laws.
