No convoys of vehicles, no excess passengers and no over speeding are some of the strict guidelines the police have issued to the leadership of National Unity Platform (NUP) before they resume the nationwide mobilization tours which had been indefinitely suspended.
The guidelines came out of an engagement the Uganda Police Force held with the National Unity Platform (NUP) leadership at Police Headquarters on Thursday during which several resolutions were agreed upon by both the parties regarding their consultative meetings.
It should be recalled that the Uganda Police Force halted the NUP’s consultative activities on 31st May 2024 following a fatal accident at St. Lawrence Maya, along the Kampala-Masaka highway, during their procession towards Masaka. The accident resulted in the death of three people and two serious injuries.
Today, the meeting reviewed the CCTV footage of the 31-st May 2024 NUP procession from Kampala to Masaka and the following observations were made:
There was overloading of vehicles and inconsiderate use of vehicles on the road (carrying passengers on vehicle rooftops).
Over speeding and reckless driving posed a danger not only to the passengers but also to other road users. In a statement, police provided details about the tragic accident and the particulars of offenses committed
by the culprits.
The motor vehicle, registration number UBH 691Q Toyota Hiace, involved in the fatal accident, was carrying extra passengers on the rooftops and was part of a convoy of rowdy NUP supporters covering the single carriageway. This vehicle collided with motorcycle riders of UFY 983T, UCG 381C, UFY 465Y, and UEJ 361D. The driver of motor vehicle UBH 691Q, Lule Fred, was arrested and appeared at Nsangi court on the following counts:
a. Count I: Reckless driving c/s 108(3), (7), (g) and (d) of the Traffic and Road Safety Act 1998 CAP 361.
b. Count II, Count III, Count IV: Causing death through reckless driving c/s 108 (1) (7) (d) of the Traffic and Road Safety Act 1998 CAP 361 as amended, resulting in the deaths of Ssekindu Victor, Ssezibwa Ismail, and Kasode Huseifa Muzafaru respectively.
c. Count V: Using a motor vehicle on the road in a dangerous mechanical condition c/s 107 (1) (5) of the Traffic and Road Safety Act 1998.
d. Count VI: Failing to report an accident c/s 125 (1) (b)(8) of the Traffic and Road Safety Act 1998.
The driver Fred Lule was remanded to Mpigi Prisons.
The drivers of the following motor vehicles were charged at Nsangi Police Station vide TSD03/03/06/2024 for several offenses, including dangerous driving c/s 108(7)(g) and 176 (1) (a) TRSA 1998 CAP 361. These drivers were declared wanted and are required to report to Nsangi Police Station as per the above-quoted reference. They include:
UBF 701X Toyota Harrier, UBJ 398E Toyota Harrier, UAZ 435W Toyota Wish, UAW 701Q Toyota Hiace, UBL 516D Toyota Supercustom, UBE 195V Toyota Harrier, UBK 388K Toyota Noah, UBQ 839D Toyota Hilux, UAY 432Z Toyota Landcruiser, UBQ 080F Canter, UBJ 452B Toyota Premio, UAZ 316V Toyota Noah, UAJ 777T Toyota Prado, UDL 415V Toyota Hiace, UBE 423F Subaru Forester, UAV 289B Toyota Prado.
In view of the above, and as a way forward, the Deputy police PRO ACP Nabakka S. Claire said the meeting agreed on the following resolutions:
1. Carrying people on motor vehicle rooftops must immediately stop.
2. Carrying excess passengers in vehicles should also stop.
3. Over speeding is an offense and must stop.
4. Moving in a convoy of many motor vehicles and motorcycles from Kampala to upcountry locations is not allowed.
5. Harassing or provoking security personnel while on their lawful duties must stop.
6. Regulating traffic is the mandate of the traffic police, and all road users should comply with traffic regulations. Persons not mandated to regulate traffic must stop.
7. The NUP leadership was urged to take responsibility and prevail over the conduct of their members; otherwise, they will be held responsible.
Following the meeting and resolutions, Kyagulanyi and his team will be heading to Western Uganda on Monday 15th July 2024 starting with Bundibujo, then to Ishaka – Bushenyi, Rukungiri, Ntugamo and finally Isingiro on 19th July 2024.
Article 212 of the Constitution mandates the UPF, among other duties, to protect life and property. Also, section 32(1) (b) of the Police Act empowers the Police to direct the conduct of assemblies and processions on public roads or places of public resort.