By Ritah Atukwatse,
KAMPALA
Traffic authorities in Kawempe, a Kampala suburb on Thursday night seized four vehicles for dangerously overloading.
The vehicles, identified by registration numbers SSD 521 BH, UA 740K, SSD 749 BN, and SSD 564 BE, are currently being held at the Kawempe Police Station as investigations continue.
SP Michael Kananura, spokesperson for the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, said the vehicles were en route to West Nile and South Sudan. He said the seizure followed a tip-off from a vigilant community member which helped authorities to avert a potential road disaster.
Traffic and road safety authorities say that overloading increases the risk of tyre bursts, loss of vehicle control, road crashes, injuries, fatalities, and damage to property, warning drivers to desist from the deadly practice.
“We commend the public for working hand-in-hand with the Uganda Police Force. Such cooperation is vital in promoting road safety,” SP Kananura stated.
SP Kananura further warned all motorists to strictly observe traffic regulations, emphasizing that overloading is a serious violation with potentially deadly consequences.
The drivers of the impounded vehicles, according to Kananura will be summoned to court on charges related to dangerous overloading.