Security officials and traffic police in Kitgum District are set to begin impromptu crackdowns on unlicensed drivers, unroadworthy vehicles and reckless road users following a rise in fatal road crashes in the district.
The operation was announced during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Monday, bringing together drivers, vehicle owners, business leaders and local government officials to discuss growing concerns over road safety.
The meeting followed two separate road crashes involving market vendors travelling to monthly markets, commonly known as auctions, which claimed four lives within four months. Participants sought to establish the causes of the recurring accidents and possible interventions.
Walter Oyoo, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Kitgum, announced the immediate start of a district-wide enforcement operation targeting traffic offenders. He said all unroadworthy vehicles would be removed from the roads immediately, while unlicensed drivers and operators violating traffic regulations risk arrest, prosecution and penalties.
Oyoo said the operation would focus on eliminating unqualified drivers, enforcing mandatory vehicle inspections and improving compliance with traffic laws. He attributed the increasing crashes to poor passenger control, overloading and the growing number of auction markets, which leave drivers with little time to service their vehicles. He also acknowledged the poor state of roads in the region and noted that the government would engage local authorities to improve road maintenance.
Evas Ninsiima, a traffic officer, criticised the growing tendency by accident victims and their families to abandon court cases after receiving compensation from drivers or vehicle owners. According to her, this weakens efforts to secure convictions against errant drivers.
Geoffrey Opiyo Apire, a market vendor, urged authorities to hold further discussions with local government leaders and communities about the increasing number of monthly markets and their operating schedules. Apire argued that sub-county leaders continue to introduce numerous auction markets mainly to generate revenue, while traders often leave markets late, forcing vendors to travel at night and exposing them to accidents.
He also blamed some vehicle owners for employing relatives who may lack the qualifications and discipline required to operate commercial vehicles safely.
Apire further accused traffic police of failing to effectively enforce laws against overloading and reckless driving, despite the dangers posed to passengers.
Quinto Olweny, the chairperson of Owino Market vendors, called on vehicle owners to verify the permits of drivers before employing them. He said many vendors cannot distinguish between different classes of driving permits and appealed to traffic officers to assist in verifying drivers’ qualifications.
Richard Pajobo, the Kitgum District Traffic Officer, warned vehicle owners against hiring unverified drivers and encouraged transport operators to work closely with the police during recruitment.
Pajobo said police are ready to help verify driving permits and determine whether drivers are qualified to operate particular classes of vehicles. He also urged passengers and the public to report drunk and reckless drivers instead of remaining silent.
He announced that police would soon intensify vehicle inspections and random enforcement operations targeting defective vehicles and intoxicated drivers.
Ninsiima further advised vehicle owners to keep copies of drivers’ permits and national identity cards before handing over vehicles to them. She explained that different classes of vehicles require different permit categories, citing motorcycles, which require Class A permits, and larger commercial vehicles such as Fuso trucks, which require higher classes.She encouraged vehicle owners who are uncertain about permit classifications to seek guidance from traffic police offices-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
