The Military Police have initiated a nationwide operation to address soldiers and imposters violating traffic laws or bullying police officers.
This action follows a directive from the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, prompted by increasing complaints about misconduct from soldiers and operatives within various intelligence and security organizations.
Employees of State House, often using vehicles with special registration plates and armed with pistols, have also been implicated in these complaints, with reports of them intimidating traffic officers and civilians.
Witnesses report that these individuals, some wearing army jackets in their cars, frequently ignore or threaten traffic police when stopped for violations. Common infractions include speeding, driving on the wrong side of the road, and using unauthorized sirens and lights.
Legally, only specific officials and emergency services have the right of way on Ugandan roads. However, it is common to see motorcades of ministers and senior officers violating these laws with police escorts enabling their behavior. These abuses often occur under the pretense of urgency, but many soldiers have been found misusing sirens for personal reasons.
Gen Kainerugaba's directive mandates prosecution for these violations, with penalties potentially reaching up to 10 years in prison. The Joint Chief of Staff, Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba, reinforced this order in a subsequent message.
Following these orders, heavily armed Military Police, known as Red Tops for their red berets, set up roadblocks in Kampala and other areas, checking soldiers' credentials and stopping those misusing sirens and headlights. This operation has caused significant traffic delays and public frustration, but it has been thorough in checking documentation and permissions.
Military Police have also targeted civilians with tinted windows or unauthorized vehicle modifications, adding to speculation that they are also pursuing individuals wanted for corruption. The public has reported relief as police, previously ridiculed by some soldiers and State House staff, now see enforcement of the law.
This crackdown is not unprecedented. Previous operations have targeted similar issues but were short-lived. Recent incidents of violence and threats against traffic officers by military personnel underscore the necessity for such crackdowns to ensure road safety and uphold the law.