The Directorate of Traffic wishes to update and remind the public about three ongoing road safety operations aimed at promoting safer roads for all road users and reducing road crashes. These are:
1. Operation Ganyegenya
2. Operation Babala Salama
3. Operation Tekeleza Sheria
1. Operation Ganyegenya
Operation Ganyegenya targets Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) operating in dangerous mechanical conditions.
Today marks the 27th day of the operation. Last week alone, 130 vehicles were impounded. Some have since been inspected and, where necessary, deregistered and released to their owners for repairs, while others are still awaiting inspection.
Since the commencement of the operation, 499 vehicles have been impounded. Of these, 369 have undergone inspection. Only 42 vehicles (11.1%) passed, while 328 (88.9%) failed the inspection.
Of the vehicles that underwent re-inspection, 65 have so far been re-inspected. Of these, 39 (60%) passed, while 26 (40%) failed.
We remind taxi operators that the 100-day period is a grace period intended to give them an opportunity to put their vehicles in proper mechanical condition. Once this period expires, enforcement will be intensified, and offenders will be arrested and taken to court in accordance with the law.
We are also extending these operations into the night hours, following reports that some operators are deliberately driving at night in an attempt to evade enforcement. Driving at night will not provide an escape from the operation.
We therefore appeal to all taxi operators to voluntarily present their vehicles for inspection before they are impounded and legal action is taken against them.
2. Operation Babala Salama
Operation Babala Salama is a joint operation by the Uganda Police Force and the Ministry of Works and Transport. It focuses on proper licensing and compliance among Public Service Vehicles, as well as the operationalisation of guidelines issued for Sinotruks and other related heavy trucks.
Sinotruk operators and other operators falling under this category have been given a 60-day window to voluntarily present their vehicles for inspection. This window does not apply to vehicles identified by police officers on the road and suspected to be in a dangerous mechanical condition.
Upon expiry of the 60-day period, vehicles in this category without the required inspection reports will be impounded in accordance with the law.
There is still a low turnout at the inspection centres. So far, 148 vehicles have been inspected, of which 107 passed, while 41 failed and were deregistered.
We appeal to all Sinotruk and related heavy-truck operators to utilise the window provided by the Minister of Works and Transport and have their vehicles inspected before enforcement catches up with them.
3. Operation Tekeleza Sheria
Operation Tekeleza Sheria is a joint operation between the Uganda Police Force and the UPDF Military Police Brigade.
The operation targets vehicles fitted with illegal sirens and swivelling or flashing lights, vehicles without number plates, and those with concealed number plates. It also targets security personnel who fail to comply with traffic regulations.
Since the commencement of the operation, 70 vehicles have been impounded. So far, seven drivers have appeared before court; six were convicted, while one was remanded. The remaining files are before the Regional State Attorneys (RSAs) for sanctioning before court proceedings can commence.
These operations will continue until there is greater sanity, discipline and compliance on our roads.
We therefore appeal to all persons falling under these categories to comply with the law before enforcement catches up with you.
SCHOOL TRANSPORT
We further remind all school bus operators and drivers that school buses must have valid inspection reports, and all school bus drivers must obtain the required badges.
We also appeal to all operators involved in transporting school children to voluntarily present their vehicles for inspection.
Some vehicles may not be permitted to continue transporting children where their mechanical condition poses a risk to the lives and safety of learners.
Do not wait for the police to find you on the road. Take responsibility, have your vehicle inspected, and ensure that it is safe before transporting children.
Road safety is a shared responsibility. Let us all play our part in making our roads safer for every road user.
SP KANANURA MICHAEL
PRO/CLO
DIRECTORATE OF TRAFFIC & ROAD SAFETY
