Police in Hoima District detained five truck drivers on Sunday morning for illegally crossing the damaged bridge at River Kafu. The arrest took place during an abrupt operation conducted around 1 am, according to Hoima District Police Commander Jackson Bogere.
Bogere, while at Kafu Bridge, disclosed that one individual was apprehended for attempting to bribe police officers in an effort to rescue the detained drivers. Additionally, Bogere stated that an internal investigation is underway to examine allegations against police officers who may have permitted truck drivers to cross the compromised bridge.
Last month, heavy rains led to the flooding of River Kafu, resulting in the closure of the Hoima-Kampala Highway. The road was reopened to light traffic by the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) once water levels receded. Police were subsequently deployed to manage traffic flow in the area.
In light of the situation, Bogere urged drivers to follow UNRA guidelines and use alternative routes. UNRA has established alternative routes, such as the Kigumba-Masindi route to Kampala Gulu or the Buhimba-Kakumiro-Mubende roads, to ensure compliance and safety.
| Key Points | |
|---|---|
| Incident Date and Time | Sunday, December 17, around 1 am |
| Number of Arrested Drivers | Five |
| Bribery Attempt | One person arrested for trying to bribe officers |
| Internal Investigation | Police officers under investigation for alleged involvement |
| Bridge Closure Cause | Flooding of River Kafu due to heavy rains last month |
| Road Reopening | UNRA opened Hoima-Kampala Highway to light traffic |
| Police Deployment | Deployed to manage traffic flow after road reopening |
| Alternative Routes | UNRA-recommended routes for drivers to follow |
