Police officers In the Albertine region of Uganda are under investigation for allegedly permitting heavy trucks to cross the damaged Kafu Bridge. Last month, the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) restricted heavy truck traffic on the Hoima-Kampala highway due to damage caused by heavy rains. UNRA allowed only small vehicles on the remaining narrow road.
Despite the bridge closure, reports indicate that traffic police officers have turned it into a lucrative spot, with truck drivers reportedly paying varying amounts to cross, avoiding the recommended detours deemed expensive, lengthy, and distant by the drivers. The authorized detours include the Kigumba-Masindi route to Kampala-Gulu or the Buhimba-Kakumiro-Mubende road.
Hoima district Police commander Jackson Bogere revealed the investigation against a group of police officers deployed to enforce the bridge closure. Bogere disclosed the probe while at Kafu Bridge, where drivers claimed to pay 10,000 shillings to police officers before crossing from Kyankwanzi to Hoima district or vice versa.
Bogere initiated an operation at 1:00 am on a Sunday to verify reports of heavy trucks crossing the bridge between 11:00 pm and 4:00 am. During the operation, five drivers were arrested for attempting to cross the bridge against UNRA guidelines. Bogere mentioned that the Police Professional Standards Unit is investigating the implicated officers, and information obtained from the detained drivers is aiding the inquiry.
Albertine Police spokesperson Julius Hakiiza confirmed the development, stating that suspected drivers are detained at Kitoba Police Station, and the investigation into the police officers is underway.
