By BM
The Uganda Police Force has released video evidence implicating campaign vehicles associated with the National Unity Platform (NUP) in a serious road accident that occurred on Monday morning near Namyoya Village along the Nakifuma–Kayunga road.
The accident, which left at least seven people injured, involved motorcycles and a minibus in the convoy escorting NUP presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu.
Speaking to the media, Police Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Kituuma Rusoke attributed the crash to reckless road behavior by campaign teams.
He warned that the ongoing presidential campaigns have been marred by escalating disregard for traffic regulations, especially by groups engaged in political processions.
According to police accounts, the incident happened around 11:30 a.m. as Kyagulanyi’s convoy was traveling from Kalagi toward Kayunga.
It began when an unidentified motorcycle collided at high speed with another vehicle, setting off a chain reaction involving several other motorcycles.
The situation worsened when a white Mitsubishi Rosa minibus, bearing registration number UAZ 064H and draped in NUP campaign posters, rammed into the pile-up, striking the fallen motorcycles and causing multiple injuries.
Among those injured were Bashir Kewanza, 27; Bashir Kakaire, 35; Musa Ssepereza, 40; Michael Kisomba, 28; Eric Ssewaya, 23; and Robert Mutagubya, 24.
All the victims were rushed to St. Francis Naggalama Hospital. However, the more critically injured Kewanza, Kakaire, and Ssepereza were later referred to Mulago Hospital for specialized treatment.
Kewanza sustained multiple injuries, including a maxillary fracture.
Kakaire suffered several wounds, while Ssepereza’s injuries included a fractured right leg.
Riders Kisomba, Ssewaya, and Mutagubya also suffered serious injuries, including fractures.
Four red Bajaj Boxer motorcycles, bearing registration numbers UFQ 569H, UGH 892B, UEK 351T, and UFQ 250Q, were among those involved in the crash.
They were towed along with the minibus to the Naggalama Police Yard for forensic inspection as part of the ongoing investigation.
ACP Rusoke condemned what he described as a disturbing trend of reckless and irresponsible road use during political campaigns.
He emphasized that the incident was not isolated and reflected a broader culture of lawlessness among certain campaign teams.
To support these claims, Rusoke presented video evidence captured by law enforcement, showing numerous traffic violations attributed to NUP campaign vehicles.
The footage reportedly included vehicles occupying the wrong lanes, motorcycles overloaded with passengers, and riders clinging dangerously onto campaign vehicles.
In some cases, vehicles were seen obstructing roads more than 90 kilometers from their intended campaign destinations, while number plates were deliberately concealed.
The police spokesperson dismissed suggestions that enforcement actions against campaign convoys amounted to political harassment.
He stated unequivocally that such actions are driven by the need to maintain public safety and uphold the law, not to suppress political activity.
Rusoke declared that traffic offenses, such as those witnessed in the Kalaji incident, are criminal and punishable.
In response to the ongoing violations, the Uganda Police Force has imposed an immediate ban on all campaign processions. Officers have been instructed to prevent any such gatherings, regardless of political affiliation.
Rusoke underscored the seriousness of this directive, cautioning campaign teams not to question enforcement measures, which he said are necessary to restore order and safety on public roads.
He also warned against the placement of campaign materials in roadways, describing them as dangerous obstructions that would attract legal consequences.
Political actors who change campaign venues or routes without notifying authorities were equally criticized, with Rusoke noting that such uncoordinated activities have led to tensions and near-confrontations between police and opposition figures.
ACP Rusoke reiterated that the impoundment of vehicles and other enforcement actions are not designed to hinder political participation but are essential measures to ensure road safety during the election period.
He pushed back against narratives that equate reckless road behavior with democratic expression, arguing that endangering lives in the name of political freedom is unacceptable.
In conclusion, Rusoke reaffirmed the Uganda Police Force’s commitment to maintaining safety and order throughout the electoral process.
He urged all political candidates and their supporters to respect traffic laws and the broader legal framework governing campaigns. “It is in your best interest to obey the laws and regulations guiding these elections,” he stated. “Safety on our roads during this campaign period must be paramount.”
