One thousand eight hundred drivers have been arrested for driving with the requisite documentation including driving permits, the Director of Traffic in the Uganda Police Force has disclosed.
Appearing on NBS talk show ‘Morning Breeze’ dubbed: ‘Traffic Guidelines Ahead of The Festive Season’, Commissioner of Police Dr Steven Kasiima said those complicit were arrested during the Operation Fika Salaama, launched by the police and the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) about four months ago, following a wave of fatal accidents on several roads in the country, most pronounced being along the Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara highway.
“We have so far arrested 1,800 drivers without permits during operation Fiika Salaama. That’s a big number, he said, adding: “Drivers arrested during Fiika Salaama for reckless driving and drink driving ‘sleep in our coolers’”.
According to Dr Kasiima, bus companies had also been issued with strict guidelines to follow during the festive season.
“There is no bus driver who is not vetted. After vetting, they are given badges. Now, these conductors have no chance of driving” Dr Kasiima said, adding that the companies had been cautioned on trying to make quick money at the expense of travellers.
“If bus companies have more accredited drivers, then they are allowed to make a return journey. We have set up check points,” he said.
Police sources indicated that over 200 people died on the Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara highway between January and August, prompting the force to launch ‘Operation Fika Salaama’ under the command of Assistant Commissioner of Police Sarah Kibwika.
By October police sources indicated about Shs2 billion had been collected in fines since the operation was launched.
