By Nasser Kayanja
KAMPALA: Government has warned vehicle owners against making modifications to their vehicles without approval from the Ministry of Works and Transport, saying offenders will face legal action.
The Ministry of Works and Transport, together with the Uganda Police Traffic Department, has intensified Operation Barabara Salaama, an enforcement campaign aimed at improving road safety and ensuring compliance with traffic regulations.
The operation was launched in Maya along the Kampala-Masaka Road before being extended to Bombo Road in Matugga, where several trucks were impounded for non-compliance.
The operation has now resumed along the Jinja Road corridor in Lwanyonyi, Mukono District, targeting vehicles suspected of violating road safety requirements.
Commissioner for Transport at the Ministry of Works and Transport, Winston Katushabe, said the operation is targeting several forms of non-compliance, including overloaded vehicles, vehicles with unauthorised modifications, excessive tinting and other defects that may compromise road safety.
He warned vehicle owners against making structural or mechanical changes without first obtaining approval from the Ministry.
Katushabe said modifications, including changes involving vehicle bodies and mudguards, must comply with the prescribed safety standards and receive the necessary approval.
He said the enforcement operation will continue until further notice, noting that some motorists change routes whenever enforcement teams are deployed to avoid inspection.
Katushabe urged motorists not to evade enforcement officers but instead correct any defects or violations identified on their vehicles.
He said police officers have been instructed to refer motorists who illegally modify their vehicles to courts of law for prosecution.
However, motorists found committing minor offences, such as driving without a valid licence, may be issued with express penalty tickets in accordance with the law.
The Ministry said the continued operation is intended to reduce road accidents, improve compliance with safety standards and protect road user