As the festive season approaches, the Uganda Police Force has intensified road safety operations nationwide under the code name “Arrive Alive” to reduce accidents and ensure safe travel for all road users.

In the past week alone, police have apprehended 644 drivers for traffic violations. These include 325 for operating vehicles in dangerous mechanical conditions, 124 for reckless driving, 123 for illegal vehicle modifications, 23 for driving under the influence of alcohol, and 17 for driving without a valid license. Other offences included dangerous loading, abandoned vehicles, and carrying passengers in unsafe positions.

Speaking to the press, SP Michael Kanaura, Pro-Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, warned motorists to strictly adhere to traffic regulations.

“Buses traveling distances of over 300 kilometers must not undertake return journeys within 24 hours, and only buses with valid route charts and PSV licences will be allowed to operate,” Kanaura emphasized.

He added, “All drivers must possess valid driving licences, and bus drivers must display their driver badges and a clear photo inside the bus. School buses and unauthorized private vehicles are not allowed to operate as passenger service vehicles.”

The police also reiterated other key safety measures for motorists, including ensuring vehicles are in good mechanical condition, with functional brakes, proper tire pressure, and adequate lighting. Drivers must adhere to speed limits, particularly in areas with high pedestrian activity, and avoid overtaking in risky areas such as hills, corners, and busy sections of the road. The use of mobile phones or other distractions while driving is strictly prohibited. All passengers should wear seatbelts, and motorcyclists and passengers must wear helmets. Drivers must also refrain from drinking and driving.

SP Kanaura further stated, “Failure to comply with these directives will result in arrest and legal action. Road safety is a collective responsibility, and the public must remain vigilant and alert while traveling.”

The Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety is working closely with government agencies, private sector partners, civil society organizations, religious institutions, and the media to ensure safer roads throughout the festive period. Public education and awareness campaigns are also being conducted through various platforms.

Motorists and members of the public are urged to report traffic-related incidents through the toll-free numbers: 0800 199 099 / 0779 999 999.

“Let us all work together to ensure a safe and enjoyable festive season for everyone. Arrive Alive!” Kanaura noted.

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Parliament is set to return tomorrow (Tuesday) for a special sitting that is expected to put additional strain on Uganda’s public finances, with legislators being asked to endorse a new borrowing amounting to more than Shs2.17 trillion.

The December 16 session comes amid growing unease over the state’s heavy dependence on debt to fund both infrastructure projects and recurrent needs. The concerns are still fresh following Parliament’s recent approval of Shs8.1 trillion in supplementary allocations for the 2025/26 financial year.

In a notice issued to Members of Parliament, the Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Adolf Mwesige Kasija, stated that the House will convene at 2:00 p.m. to receive the National Budget Framework Paper for FY 2026/27 to 2030/31, which outlines the government’s priorities and spending plans over the medium term.

According to the Order Paper, proceedings will begin with the presentation of the Tax Expenditure Report covering July to September 2025. MPs will also consider a proposal to waive outstanding tax obligations owed by NewPlan Limited before turning to three major financing requests submitted by the Ministry of Finance.

One motion seeks approval to pre-finance the design and construction of the 87-kilometre Kayunga–Bbaale–Galiraya Road, earmarked for upgrading from gravel to a paved standard. Another asks Parliament to approve a $162 million loan, equivalent to about Shs579.2 billion, from the Korea Export-Import Bank to support the Makerere University Improvement Project, which targets infrastructure modernisation and expansion of academic facilities.

The largest financing proposal involves external borrowing of EUR 385 million, approximately $448 million or Shs1.595 trillion, from Rand Merchant Bank and other lenders to support broader infrastructure and development programs in the 2025/26 budget. Combined, the three facilities total $610 million, or Shs2.172 trillion.

Beyond financing matters, MPs are also expected to debate the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Bill, 2024, which is scheduled for its second and third readings, introducing a legislative element to a sitting largely focused on fiscal decisions.

The planned borrowing has revived arguments raised during recent supplementary budget debates, where opposition legislators warned that Uganda could be sliding into a pattern of fiscal indiscipline. Kira Municipality MP and Shadow Finance Minister Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda said repeated supplementary expenditures, often financed through loans, have pushed the revised 2025/26 budget to Shs78 trillion.

He further warned that with Shs32 trillion already earmarked for borrowing to finance the approved budget, the government’s return to both domestic and external markets would intensify pressure on public debt.

Concerns have also emerged over the pace at which approved loans are implemented. Bugiri Municipality MP and JEEMA president Asuman Basalirwa questioned the government’s capacity to finalise loan agreements promptly, citing a $20 million facility from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa approved in September 2025 that remains unsigned despite further commitments.

Defending the government’s position, State Minister for Finance (General Duties) Henry Musasizi said the Public Finance Management Act permits supplementary spending beyond the 3% limit once Parliament grants approval. He added that funding sources had been clearly disclosed in line with the House’s Rules of Procedure.

Nevertheless, the Auditor General has consistently cautioned that frequent supplementary budgets weaken fiscal planning and discipline. In his 2023 report, he described the trend as increasingly inefficient, noting that many requests are presented without adequate engagement with programme managers.

As of June 2025, Uganda’s public debt stood at Shs116.2 trillion, or about $32.3 billion, representing a 26.2% rise from the previous year. Domestic debt accounted for Shs60.3 trillion, while external obligations reached Shs55.9 trillion, pushing the debt-to-GDP ratio to 51.3%.

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Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has launched investigation into the deaths of three sub adult lions inside Queen Elizabeth National Park, officials confirmed on Thursday.

The incident was first detected early Thursday morning through UWA’s EarthRanger Technology. According to the authority, abnormal movement patterns from a collared lion led rangers to the Akabale area in Nyamugasani, where they discovered the lions’ bodies.

“Our team, guided by satellite signals, moved into the area and found three sub adult lions, two males and one female, dead,” said Bashir Hangi, Assistant Commissioner for Communication at UWA.

Follow up investigations at the scene revealed a cow carcass partially placed in a bag containing unknown substances, with some of the remains left exposed. A panga and slippers were also recovered nearby.

“These findings are central to our ongoing investigation into the cause of death and the identification of those responsible. We are committed to prosecuting anyone found violating wildlife laws to the fullest extent,,” Hangi added. 

The UWA has notified Kasese Police, and both agencies are working jointly to examine the evidence collected and pursue all leads.

Hangi called on the public to support conservation efforts. 

“We encourage everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities that may endanger wildlife or undermine protection initiatives,” he said.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have promised regular updates as new information emerges.

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