A woman identified as Mercy Timbitirwe has been arrested after a viral video captured her assaulting a traffic police officer in a heated confrontation.
The incident happened on October 18, 2024, following an argument with PC Charles Makawa, a traffic police officer attached to Jinja Road Police.
In a statement, the Uganda police said on the official handle, X, that PC Makawa, while on duty at Makerere University Business School (MUBS) stopped Timbitirwe, who was driving a Toyota Land Cruiser registration number UBM 439T, after receiving information that she had caused an accident the side of Port Bell and was driving away. Police added that the driver who was driving using her mobile phone refused to stop.
“It is alleged that on 18/10/2024 at about 1155/c while on duty at Makerere University Business School (MUBS) with a team led by Sgt Walusimbi along New Port Bell Road in Kampala district, one No. 63061 PC MAKAWA CHARLES attached to Jinja Road Police Station received information that motor vehicle reg. No. UBM 439T Toyota Land Cruiser white in colour coming from the side of Port Bell had caused an accident and was being driven away. When the vehicle approached, PC Makawa signalled the driver to stop but the female driver refused to stop as she was even driving while using a hand held mobile phone,” part of the statement read.
The police further noted that Makawa followed Timbitirwe on a boda boda and caught up with her at Lugogo traffic lights along Kampala Jinja Highway, where he instructed her to stop, but she refused again and drove up to the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA), where she parked and got out of the car.
“When Makawa approached and asked for her driving permit, she locked her vehicle and started walking away. PC Makawa informed the lady driver that if she did not produce her permit, she should drive her car to Jinja Road police station. The female driver moved back and started shouting at him while taking his pictures,” the police said.
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According to the police spokesperson, ACP Kituuma Rusoke, when the officer attempted to intervene, she began recording him on her phone. As the situation escalated, she slapped the officer, prompting him to retaliate.
“When Makawa pulled his hand to block the phone camera, the lady assaulted him while grabbing his phone and the police express penalty scheme printer,” he noted.
The video of the incident quickly circulated on social media, drawing strong condemnation from Ugandans.
Several netizens expressed their shock and disgust at the woman’s behavior, calling for her immediate arrest and prosecution.
In response, Rusoke confirmed that the woman had been taken into custody, and investigations into the incident are ongoing.
The assault on a public servant is an offense that President Museveni condemns.
