By Bicholin K Musisi;

Nsangi, Mpigi District: Police at Nsangi have arrested six people, including the driver and five passengers, after intercepting a Toyota Hiace (UBH183S) dangerously overloaded with 31 passengers on its way from Kampala to Masaka for a football match in Buwama. 

The vehicle had 13 passengers clinging to the roof and 18 packed inside, with its number plates deliberately obscured to evade detection.

Police Traffic Spokesperson SP Michael Kananura said the passengers face charges of riding in a dangerous position, while the driver is “accused of concealing a number plate, driving outside his licensed class, and breaching operator license conditions.”

Police said the vehicle was intercepted after being flagged by roadside surveillance cameras as part of an ongoing crackdown on reckless driving.

Following the arrests, dozens of supporters stormed Nsangi Police Station demanding the release of those in custody. 

Police moved quickly to disperse the crowd, arresting three more individuals for obstruction and inciting violence. Calm was later restored at the station.

Kananura condemned both the overloading and the violent protests, warning of stricter enforcement measures:

“This kind of reckless and unlawful behavior not only violates traffic regulations but also endangers lives. Passengers must avoid boarding overloaded vehicles, and drivers should comply with the law. Any attempts to obstruct police operations will be dealt with firmly.”

Uganda continues to face a growing road safety crisis. In 2024, the country recorded 25,107 road crashes, a 6.4% increase from the previous year, resulting in 5,144 deaths—an average of 14 fatalities per day. 

Police have intensified operations along high-risk routes, including the Kampala–Masaka highway, where overloading and speeding remain major contributors to accidents.

Authorities have urged the public to adhere to traffic regulations and warned that tougher penalties await offenders.