Leaders in Mityana District have issued a stern warning to affluent young motorists commonly known as “Basayika,” urging them to abandon reckless driving practices that residents say are contributing to a growing number of road accidents, deaths and serious injuries.
The warning follows mounting concern among residents who accuse some members of the group of turning public roads into racing tracks through excessive speeding, dangerous overtaking and disregard for traffic regulations.
Residents are now calling on security agencies and district authorities to introduce stricter measures to regulate the conduct of the young drivers and curb the rising number of road crashes.
The term “Basayika” is widely used in Mityana to refer to young people who own and drive expensive vehicles.
While many residents acknowledge that a number of them are involved in legitimate businesses and entrepreneurship, concerns have persisted over the conduct of some motorists on public roads.
“We are not against successful young people, but some of them have turned our roads into racing tracks. Innocent people are losing their lives because of reckless driving,” one resident said.
Residents also accused security agencies of previously failing to take firm action against offenders, arguing that some drivers have escaped punishment even after being involved in serious incidents.
Public concern intensified earlier this month following a fatal accident in Mityana Town allegedly involving a young motorist identified as Ismail Kiwewa.
The crash reportedly claimed two lives and left four other people seriously injured.
Witnesses said an angry crowd attempted to assault the driver before police intervened and rescued him from mob justice.
Following the incident, police intensified enforcement operations targeting traffic offenders and vehicles suspected of being involved in reckless driving.
Mityana District Traffic Officer Francis Natukwasa confirmed that several vehicles have already been impounded during the ongoing operations.
“We have conducted a number of enforcement operations and several vehicles have been impounded. Investigations are continuing, and more action will be taken against those found violating traffic laws,” Natukwasa said.
He added that police have repeatedly invited members of the group to attend road safety sensitization meetings, but many have failed to respond.
“We have been engaging them on responsible road use, but some continue to ignore our calls. We want them to understand that road safety is everyone's responsibility,” he said.
Wamala Regional Police spokesperson SSP Lameck Kigozi warned that security agencies would continue pursuing individuals whose actions endanger other road users.
“Traffic regulations apply to everyone regardless of social status or financial ability. Anyone found breaking the law will be dealt with accordingly,” Kigozi said.
Victims of road accidents and their families welcomed the ongoing operations but insisted that stronger and more comprehensive measures are needed to restore safety on district roads.
“We want stricter enforcement because many families have suffered. The authorities must ensure that no one is above the law,” said Posiano Ssejemba, a resident.
In an effort to ease tensions between residents and the youths, Mityana District Chairperson Joseph Luzige and Deputy Resident District Commissioner Prossy Mwanjuzi recently convened a meeting with representatives of the group.
The meeting sought to identify lasting solutions that would enable young entrepreneurs to continue contributing to the district's economy while ensuring public safety.
Some of the youths objected to the label “Basayika,” arguing that it unfairly portrays all affluent young people as reckless drivers.
“We are not criminals. Many of us are engaged in genuine businesses and work hard for what we have achieved. It is unfair to judge all of us because of the actions of a few individuals,” said Kenneth Kavuma, one of the participants.
Kavuma also expressed concern about public speculation regarding the source of wealth among young people.
“Many youths are involved in different income-generating activities. Instead of focusing on rumours, people should appreciate the positive contributions that young entrepreneurs are making to society,” he said.
District leaders, however, emphasized that financial success must be accompanied by responsible behaviour and respect for the law.
“We appreciate the role young people play in driving economic growth, but no one should use wealth as an excuse to disregard the law or endanger lives,” Luzige said.
Deputy RDC Prossy Mwanjuzi urged the youths to become ambassadors of responsible road use.
“We want these young people to be role models in the community. If they fail to regulate themselves, the law will take its course,” she warned.
Authorities maintain that while many young entrepreneurs are making valuable contributions to local development through business and investment, reckless driving will not be tolerated.
Police have vowed to continue enforcement operations until discipline and road safety are fully restored on the roads of Mityana District.