The Uganda Police Force has received new traffic enforcement equipment, including breathalysers, aimed at strengthening efforts to curb drink-driving in the capital.
The equipment was handed over to the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety on April 13 by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the Global Road Safety Partnership, through a collaboration involving the Kampala Capital City Authority and Bloomberg Philanthropies.
Police say the support comes at a critical time, as drink-driving continues to be a major contributor to road crashes, injuries, and fatalities in Kampala and surrounding areas.
Michael Kananura, the Traffic Police spokesperson, said the new equipment will significantly enhance enforcement capacity.
“This donation provides a much-needed boost to enforcement efforts and will enhance our capacity to detect and deter drink-driving,” Kananura said.
“We are going to intensify operations, and anyone found driving under the influence will be dealt with in accordance with the law.”
He added that the breathalysers will improve detection and evidence collection, enabling officers to more effectively enforce laws against driving under the influence of alcohol.
The support falls under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety, which has identified Kampala as one of the cities receiving targeted assistance to improve traffic management and reduce road fatalities.
Authorities warned motorists that drink-driving remains illegal and dangerous, urging road users to exercise caution and responsibility on the road.
Police said enforcement operations will now be intensified across major city routes as part of ongoing efforts to reduce road carnage linked to alcohol use.