Traffic Police arrests 124 drivers for drunk driving in Kampala

[Eronda]

Traffic police arrested 124 drivers during a drink-driving crackdown conducted across nine stations in the Kampala Metropolitan Police area, as authorities stepped up efforts to prevent road crashes caused by motorists driving under the influence of alcohol.

The operation, code-named Kawunyemu, was carried out on October 18 by the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety in partnership with Kampala Metropolitan Police. The arrests were recorded in Katwe, Kampala Central Police Station, Kabalagala, Nsangi, Kawempe, Old Kampala, Nansana, Jinja Road and Kiira Road.

Katwe recorded the highest number of arrests with 24 drivers, followed by Kawempe with 18 and Nansana with 16. Kabalagala and Old Kampala each recorded 14 arrests, while CPS Kampala recorded 13. Jinja Road accounted for 12 arrests, Kiira Road seven and Nsangi six.

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All 124 drivers were detained and were expected to appear in court on October 19. Police said the arrests formed part of continuing operations aimed at removing dangerous drivers from the roads and protecting motorists, passengers, pedestrians and other road users.

“Our message is clear: If you drink, do not drive. Arrange for a sober driver or use a special-hire vehicle to get home safely,” SP Michael Kananura, spokesperson for the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, said.

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“We will not allow anyone to endanger lives by drinking and driving,” Kananura added, warning that similar operations would continue across the city and surrounding areas.

Police also warned that motorists arrested in future drink-driving operations could be publicly identified. “In subsequent operations we will have no option but to name and shame those who choose to drink and drive,” Kananura said.
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