Uganda Police Arrest Bus Driver for Drunk Driving, Detain Three School Bus Drivers

Uganda Police have arrested a bus driver for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol and detained three school bus drivers accused of operating without mandatory badges as traffic enforcement operations intensify across the country.

The latest crackdown is targeting commercial transport operators and drivers accused of violating road safety regulations.

Traffic Police spokesperson Michael Kananura identified the arrested bus driver as Bosco Wansika, who was intercepted at the Maya Checkpoint in Mpigi District.

According to Kananura, Wansika was allegedly found driving bus registration number UAY 458F while under the influence of alcohol.

“The driver UAY 458F, Wansika Bosco, has been detained at Maya Checkpoint after he was found driving the bus under the influence of alcohol. He is currently in custody and will be produced before court to answer the charges,” Kananura said.

Three School Bus Drivers Detained in Njeru

Police also detained three school bus drivers in Njeru after they were allegedly found operating without mandatory badges issued by the Ministry of Works and Transport.

Kananura said the three drivers were taken into custody and would be presented before court.

“Meanwhile, three school bus drivers were intercepted [in] Njeru for driving without the badges issued by Ministry of Works and Transport. They have been detained and will appear in court,” he said.

The arrests highlight the increasing scrutiny being placed on school transport operators, particularly because of the responsibility they carry for the safety of children.

Police Warn Against Drunk Driving

Kananura strongly warned motorists against driving while intoxicated, stressing that alcohol consumption behind the wheel puts passengers, pedestrians and other road users at risk.

“We condemn drink-driving, which puts the lives of passengers and other road users at serious risk,” Kananura said.

He also urged commercial and school bus operators to ensure that their drivers possess valid badges and comply with all traffic regulations.

“Road safety is a shared responsibility. Comply before we come for you,” he added.

Another Driver Arrested in Mpigi

The latest arrests come shortly after police detained another driver, Martin Oponya, at the Maya Checkpoint in Mpigi.

Oponya was reportedly driving a Sino truck, registration number UA 367AM, when traffic officers attempted to stop him at around 8pm.

Police said he allegedly failed to stop when directed by traffic officers and was later found driving under the influence of alcohol.

He was also allegedly driving without a valid driving licence.

Oponya was detained at Maya pending court proceedings.

Police also charged the truck’s owner over allegations that they allowed a person without a valid driving licence to operate the vehicle.

Government Tightens Checks on Commercial Vehicles

The intensified traffic enforcement comes amid growing government concern over road safety and a series of fatal crashes involving commercial vehicles and heavy trucks.

Authorities have increased checks on commercial transport operators, with officers examining driver qualifications, licensing, vehicle safety standards and other mandatory requirements.

The Ministry of Works and Transport has also been pushing for stricter compliance among heavy truck operators, including mechanical inspections and professional competency checks for drivers.

Earlier this month, the government gave owners of Sino trucks two months to have their vehicles undergo mandatory mechanical inspections.

Authorities warned that trucks operating without the required clearance could be removed from the roads.

Police Intensify Road Safety Enforcement

Police have continued conducting checks at major highways and checkpoints across Uganda as part of efforts to reduce traffic accidents.

The ongoing enforcement campaign is focusing on several violations, including:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol
• Driving without valid licences
• Operating commercial vehicles without required documentation
• School bus drivers operating without mandatory badges
• Vehicle safety and mechanical compliance
• Failure to obey lawful instructions from traffic officers

Police have urged drivers and vehicle owners to comply with traffic laws before enforcement officers intervene.

The latest arrests serve as another warning to commercial and school transport operators that authorities are stepping up road safety enforcement across Uganda.