The Uganda Police Force convened an engagement meeting today, 11th July 2024, at Police Headquarters with the National Unity Platform (NUP) leadership. This meeting served as a follow-up to discussions held on 27th May 2024, where both parties agreed on resolutions concerning their consultative activities.
Following a fatal accident on 31st May 2024 at St. Lawrence Maya along the Kampala-Masaka highway, during an NUP procession towards Masaka, the Uganda Police Force had temporarily halted NUP’s consultative activities. The accident tragically resulted in three deaths and serious injuries to two individuals.
During today’s meeting, the CCTV footage of the 31st May procession was reviewed, revealing several critical observations:
- Vehicles were overloaded and used inconsiderately, with passengers even on vehicle rooftops.
- Over-speeding and reckless driving endangered not only passengers but also other road users.
- The vehicle involved in the fatal accident, a Toyota Hiace with registration number UBH 691Q, carried extra passengers on its rooftop and was part of a rowdy convoy of NUP supporters on a single carriageway. This vehicle collided with multiple motorcycle riders.
As a result of these findings, Lule Fred, the driver of vehicle UBH 691Q, was arrested and subsequently appeared in Nsangi court facing multiple charges, including reckless driving and causing death through reckless driving. He has been remanded to Mpigi Prisons.
Additionally, drivers of several other vehicles involved in dangerous driving practices were charged at Nsangi Police Station and declared wanted for further legal proceedings.
In response to these incidents and to prevent future occurrences, the meeting agreed on several resolutions:
- Immediate cessation of carrying people on motor vehicle rooftops.
- Halting the practice of carrying excess passengers in vehicles.
- Zero tolerance for over-speeding.
- Prohibition of large convoys of motor vehicles and motorcycles from Kampala to upcountry destinations.
- Cessation of harassment or provocation of security personnel during their lawful duties.
- Affirmation that traffic regulation is the sole responsibility of the traffic police, with all road users expected to comply with traffic regulations.
- The NUP leadership was urged to take responsibility for the conduct of their members during such events.
The Uganda Police Force reiterated its constitutional mandate to protect life and property under Article 212 of the Constitution, and its authority under Section 32(1)(b) of the Police Act to direct assemblies and processions on public roads.
The public was urged to uphold law and order at all times to ensure safety and security. The Police pledged continued engagement not only with NUP but also with other political parties and organizations in the interest of maintaining peace and stability.
