NUP`s Kampala-Masaka Drive Footage Revewed: The Vehicle In the Fatal Accident Was Observed to be Overloaded with Passengers on its Rooftop

Kampala, UGANDA, July 11th 2024: The Uganda Police Force (UPF) last night, again held a momentousengagement with the leadership of the National Unity Platform (NUP) at Police Headquarters, Naguru. The meeting served as a follow-up to a previous session held in late May, where both parties reached several resolutions concerning the NUP’s consultative activities.

These activities had been halted by the police following a tragic accident that occurred at the end of May, along the Kampala-Masaka highway, resulting in multiple fatalities and serious injuries. In yesterday`s meeting, officials reviewed CCTV footage of the NUP procession from Kampala to Masaka.

The footage highlighted several alarming issues, including the overloading of vehicles and the dangerous practice of carrying passengers on rooftops. The procession was also marked by excessive speeding and reckless driving, posing significant risks not only to the passengers but also to other road users.

The vehicle involved in the fatal accident, a Toyota Hiace, was observed to be overloaded with passengers on its rooftop. This vehicle was part of a rowdy convoy that occupied the single carriageway. The collision involved several motorcycles and led to the tragic loss of life. The driver of the Toyota Hiace, Lule Fred, was arrested and faced multiple charges, including reckless driving and causing death through reckless driving.

He appeared in court and was subsequently remanded to Mpigi Prisons. In addition to the charges against Lule Fred, other drivers involved in the procession were also charged with various offenses. These drivers were declared wanted and required to report to the local police station.

The Resolutions

Following the footage review, the meeting produced several key resolutions aimed at improving road safety and ensuring the well-being of all road users. These resolutions included the immediate cessation of carrying passengers on vehicle rooftops and the practice of overloading vehicles with excess passengers. “There was a strong emphasis on enforcing speed limits to prevent reckless driving,” read the police statement on the matter.

The meeting also decided to prohibit large convoys of vehicles and motorcycles traveling from Kampala to upcountry locations, a practice that had previously caused significant disruptions and safety hazards. Additionally, it was agreed that harassing or provoking security personnel on duty must stop, and that the regulation of traffic is the sole mandate of the traffic police.

The NUP leadership was urged to take responsibility for the conduct of their members, with a warning that they could be held accountable for any infractions. The UPF emphasized its constitutional mandate to protect life and property and its authority to direct the conduct of assemblies and processions on public roads.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Nabakka S. Claire, Deputy Public Relations Officer, reaffirmed the Police commitment to continued engagement not only with the NUP leadership but also with other political parties and organizations. She appealed to the public to observe law and order to ensure the safety of all individuals and their property.