Police have intensified nationwide operations against non-compliant passenger buses, arresting 51 drivers at various highway checkpoints as part of efforts to improve road safety following a series of fatal crashes involving school buses.
Traffic Police spokesperson Michael Kananura said the operation targeted violations of transport regulations, particularly non-compliance with route chart requirements and driver documentation.
According to Kananura, 42 of the arrested drivers were operating outside the routes specified in their route charts, while the remaining suspects were found in breach of other mandatory licensing and documentation requirements.
Police said two drivers were found with invalid driving permits, two were operating without the required driver badges, and five failed to produce the mandatory passport-size photographs required for public service vehicle drivers.
The crackdown follows several fatal road crashes involving buses transporting schoolchildren, including the recent King David Junior School, Ndejje bus crash in Kapchorwa, which claimed lives and renewed calls for stricter enforcement of road safety regulations.
Kananura said most of the suspects have since been arraigned in court and charged with the respective traffic offences.
Responding to complaints from passengers inconvenienced by the enforcement exercise, Kananura defended the operation, saying route charts are a mandatory safety requirement issued by the Ministry of Works and Transport to regulate bus operations and reduce the risk of accidents.
He said similar operations will continue across the country to enforce compliance with traffic regulations and enhance the safety of passengers using public transport.
By Our Reporter
3rd Aug 2026
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