Uganda Police have arrested 3,691 motorists and motorcycle riders in a week-long traffic enforcement operation aimed at improving road discipline and reducing accidents caused by reckless behaviour and non-compliance with traffic laws.
The Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety said the operation targeted road users accused of violating various traffic regulations, with authorities warning that similar crackdowns will continue across the country.
Traffic Police spokesperson SP Michael Kananura said careless driving and dangerous overtaking remain among the leading causes of road crashes in Uganda, necessitating sustained enforcement efforts.
According to police records, 513 motorists were arrested for careless driving and careless overtaking, while 487 were cited for dangerous loading. Another 398 motorists were found operating vehicles in dangerous mechanical condition.
Police also arrested 118 drivers for operating vehicles without valid driving licences.
Motorcycle riders accounted for a significant share of the offenders. A total of 574 riders were arrested for failing to wear crash helmets, while 518 were found riding without valid permits.
Another 198 riders were apprehended for carrying passengers in violation of traffic regulations.
The operation further targeted other traffic offences, including illegal vehicle modifications, which resulted in 289 arrests, and disobeying traffic directions, accounting for 296 arrests.
Police also cited 76 motorists for violating approved route charts, while 211 were found operating vehicles without the required reflectors and warning signs.
Thirteen motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Kananura said the figures reveal a continued disregard for traffic laws among some road users and underscored the need for greater compliance to improve safety on Uganda’s roads.
“These operations will continue across the country to promote sanity and discipline on our roads,” he said.
The latest enforcement exercise comes amid growing concern over road safety following several fatal crashes reported in different parts of the country in recent weeks.
Police noted that enforcement alone is insufficient to address the challenge and emphasised the importance of public education and behavioural change among motorists, riders and pedestrians.
As part of broader road safety efforts, the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety has intensified sensitisation campaigns in areas identified as crash hotspots, particularly Kampala Metropolitan South and the Masaka East Region.
The two regions were among those most affected by road crashes according to the 2025 Annual Crime Report.
Traffic authorities said the campaigns focus on educating road users about speeding, helmet use, vehicle maintenance, road signage and compliance with traffic regulations.
Police believe that combining strict law enforcement with continuous public awareness campaigns will significantly improve adherence to road safety rules, reduce crashes and save lives.
The Directorate has urged all road users to cooperate with enforcement officers and take personal responsibility for safety while using the roads.
Kananura emphasised that obeying traffic laws is not only necessary to avoid penalties but is also critical in protecting lives and preventing avoidable road accidents.
