A section of passenger service vehicle (PSV) drivers in Adjumani Town Council has petitioned the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), accusing traffic police officers attached to Adjumani Central Police Station of allegedly extorting money from motorists during routine road operations.
The drivers claim that despite complying with legal requirements, including having valid documents and roadworthy vehicles, they are frequently stopped at roadside checkpoints where some traffic officers allegedly demand between Shs20,000 and Shs50,000 after inspecting their vehicles.
They further alleged that motorists who refuse to pay the demanded money are instead issued with Express Penalty Scheme (EPS) tickets.
Speaking on behalf of the drivers, Hassan Chandiga said the alleged practice has become widespread and is negatively affecting their livelihoods.
"Even when a driver has all the required documents and the vehicle is roadworthy, some traffic officers still stop us and demand between Shs20,000 and Shs50,000. If you refuse to give them money, they immediately issue an express penalty ticket," Chandiga alleged.
He said the drivers had petitioned both the office of the Resident District Commissioner and the District Police Commander, calling for the transfer of all traffic officers currently attached to Adjumani Central Police Station.
"We are requesting the RDC and the District Police Commander to transfer all the traffic officers attached to Adjumani CPS because we have lost confidence in the way they handle motorists," he said.
A tricycle rider operating in Adjumani Town, Peter Faustine Geriga, also alleged that some traffic officers report for duty while under the influence of alcohol, saying such conduct compromises professionalism and affects the treatment of road users.
Chairing the meeting, Adjumani Deputy Resident District Commissioner Emmanuel Okware reminded drivers that they have a responsibility to obey traffic laws, ensure their vehicles are mechanically sound and carry all required documents before using public roads.
He also warned motorists against offering bribes to law enforcement officers, saying the practice amounts to corruption.
Okware assured the drivers that their complaints had been formally received and would be investigated through the appropriate administrative channels.
"Your concerns have been received and will be investigated. However, continue observing traffic rules and regulations and avoid giving bribes to traffic police officers because it is corruption," he said.
Meanwhile, the Officer in Charge of Adjumani Central Police Station, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Raymond Odongo, said the mandate of traffic police is to enforce road safety laws and urged motorists never to give money directly to police officers.
He advised drivers to always ask officers to specify the traffic offence committed and, where an offence has been established, accept an Express Penalty Scheme receipt and pay the prescribed fine through the bank.
"Always ask what offence you have committed. If you have indeed committed an offence, accept the Express Penalty Scheme receipt and pay it through the bank, not to an individual traffic police officer," Odongo said.
The district leadership said investigations into the allegations will be conducted before any administrative action is taken, urging both motorists and police officers to uphold professionalism and comply with the law.
