The police in Mbarara have arrested Abu Muhereza, the driver of a Toyota Hiace (Reg No. UBR 220H), for driving under the influence of alcohol while carrying passengers along the Mbarara–Fort Portal road.
SP Michael Kananura, the spokesperson for the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, confirmed the arrest on April 10, 2025, and stated, “The driver’s reckless behavior endangered the lives of passengers and other road users.”
According to SP Kananura, the suspect will be charged in court for driving under the influence of alcohol, contrary to Section 101 of the Traffic and Road Safety Act (CAP 347).
He further urged the public to stay vigilant and report any suspected cases of drunk or reckless driving to the toll-free number 0800199099 to prevent more road crashes.
He added that penalties for such offenses include a fine of UGX 6 million, imprisonment of up to three years, and the Express Penalty Scheme (EPS), an option to pay a fine of UGX 200,000 shillings within 28 days to avoid court proceedings.
As of April 2025, the Rwizi region, which includes Mbarara, has been reported to have the highest number of fatal accidents in Uganda. The region recorded 353 road crashes and 425 fatalities between 2024 and early 2025.
The increase in accidents is attributed to reckless driving, bribery, unprofessional drivers, and lack of sensitization. These incidents highlight the ongoing road safety challenges in the region.
