KAMPALA (UGNEWSLINE) — Ugandan police have arrested 124 drivers in a night-time crackdown on drink-driving across nine divisions in the Kampala metropolitan area, with the suspects detained pending court proceedings, the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety said.
The operation, dubbed Kawunyemu, was conducted by traffic police in collaboration with Kampala Metropolitan Police as authorities stepped up efforts to curb road crashes linked to driving under the influence of alcohol.
Katwe recorded the highest number of arrests, with 24 drivers detained, followed by Kawempe with 18 and Nansana with 16. Police also arrested 14 drivers each in Kabalagala and Old Kampala, 13 in Kampala Central Police Station (CPS), 12 along Jinja Road, seven along Kiira Road and six in Nsangi.
All 124 suspects were being held pending court proceedings scheduled for October 19, police said.
Michael Kananura, the traffic police spokesperson, warned that officers would continue targeting motorists who drive after consuming alcohol, saying the practice puts other road users at risk.
“Our message is clear: if you drink, do not drive. Arrange for a sober driver or use a special-hire vehicle to get home safely,” Kananura said.
He said the operations would continue as police sought to reduce dangerous driving and improve road safety across the metropolitan area.
Kananura also warned that police could publicly identify motorists caught driving under the influence in future operations, in an effort to deter repeat offences.
The arrests come amid ongoing road-safety concerns in Uganda, where police have repeatedly warned that reckless driving and failure to observe traffic regulations expose motorists, passengers, pedestrians and other road users to serious injury or death.
Police urged motorists to plan their journeys before drinking and to use alternative transport rather than risk driving while impaired.
