Among those arrested, 714 were bodaboda riders, while 34 were drivers of other vehicles. The Traffic Police Spokesperson, Michael Kananura, stated that this initiative aims to address the rising number of road accidents involving individuals who lack proper driving education. “Many drivers and bodaboda riders do not have driving permits,” Kananura explained, emphasizing the importance of acquiring necessary skills through formal driving schools.
The police have not only arrested these offenders but are also impounding their vehicles as part of the enforcement measures. Kananura warned that operations against unlicensed motorists will continue until compliance with driving regulations improves.
The crackdown comes in response to alarming statistics regarding traffic fatalities in Uganda. Last week alone, over 80 people lost their lives due to road crashes, with many victims being bodaboda riders and pedestrians. The Minister for Works, Gen Katumba Wamala, expressed concern over the increasing number of accidents and called for enhanced road safety measures.