KAMPALA.
Police in Kampala Metropolitan area arrested 65 drivers during a major anti-drunk-driving operation mounted over the Easter celebrations, as authorities intensified efforts to curb road crashes linked to alcohol consumption.
The overnight crackdown, which started late Friday and ended at 6 am on Saturday, targeted motorists entering and leaving Kampala city.
Traffic officers were deployed at key points, including Kibuye Shell, Mankidye, and Kibuye roundabouts, where several motorists were intercepted and subjected to checks.
According to traffic police spokesperson Mr Michael Kananura, the operation led to the arrest of 65 drivers, whose vehicles were also impounded.
“We have arrested 65 drivers operating various vehicles, and they are currently detained at different police stations across Kampala,” Mr Kananura said.
He added that the suspects were being held at Katwe and Jinja Road police stations, among others.
“We continue to remind all road users that alcohol impairs judgment and increases the risk of fatal crashes. Even drivers without valid licences will face arrest,” he warned.
During the operation, several motorists were reportedly found visibly intoxicated, with some openly admitting they had been drinking.
Some drivers and passengers attempted to negotiate with police officers, while others tried to flee the roadblocks under the cover of darkness.
One suspect was quoted as saying, “You can physically see that I am drunk. How would you arrest someone who is going to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ?”
Another motorist alleged that police had targeted even sober drivers.
“The way they are arresting is good. Our driver was not drunk, but the police just asked for money,” the suspect said.
The arrests come amid sustained efforts by police and road safety advocates to reduce traffic offences and fatal road crashes in the country.
Another motorist suggested that the police should ensure that breweries making beer are closed, but as long as they are open, they will also continue drinking.
Police data shows that Uganda recorded 322,441 traffic cases in 2025, representing a 24.4 per cent drop from 426,432 cases registered in 2024.
Despite the decline in traffic offences, road crashes increased slightly to 26,044 incidents, including 4,602 fatal crashes that claimed 5,383 lives — an average of about 15 deaths per day.
Road safety advocates have repeatedly linked a significant number of crashes to drink-driving.