Dangerous loading of commuter taxis triggered a major traffic enforcement action in Kawempe last night. Police officers impounded four overloaded vehicles operating under unsafe conditions along routes to West Nile and South Sudan.
The vehicles—registration numbers SSD 521 BH, UA 740K, SSD 749 BN, and SSD 564 BE—carried excessive cargo both inside and on the roof. Officers stopped them during a night patrol after receiving a tip from a concerned resident.
SP Michael Kananura, the Traffic and Road Safety Directorate spokesperson, confirmed that the drivers violated key safety laws. Police took the vehicles to the station, and the drivers will appear in court for charges linked to dangerous loading of commuter taxis.
Kananura commended the citizen who alerted authorities. “We appreciate the person who provided the information. Together, we can reduce road accidents and save lives,” he said.
Typically, minibuses like the Toyota Hiace are built to carry around 10 passengers. Many operators, however, remove seats and convert the interior to haul goods. They then stack cargo dangerously high on the roof to increase capacity.
This form of dangerous loading of commuter taxis creates severe risks. Overloading strains vehicle systems like tires, brakes, and suspensions. As a result, the chance of mechanical failure and road accidents rises sharply.
Tire bursts, rollovers, and brake loss become common outcomes when vehicles carry unsafe loads. These crashes often injure or kill passengers, destroy property, and endanger bystanders.
Some drivers choose to move cargo at night, wrongly believing they can avoid police checks. Traffic officials, however, now focus patrols during these vulnerable hours to address the growing trend of nighttime overloading.
Uganda’s Traffic and Road Safety Act treats dangerous loading of commuter taxis as a serious traffic offense. The law prohibits operating vehicles that exceed weight limits listed in Schedule 3 and Schedule 4. These sections regulate axle pressure and total vehicle load.
Although the Act doesn’t define the term “dangerous loading” in precise language, it clearly bans unsafe configurations. Transport authorities issue penalties through ministerial regulations. These fines aim to discourage dangerous habits and protect public infrastructure.
The recent enforcement highlights the ongoing misuse of commuter taxis as informal cargo trucks. While these taxis offer essential transportation services, operators must follow safety laws to keep roads secure.
Police have urged all drivers and taxi owners to obey regulations. Passengers also play a key role. They should report any signs of unsafe loading, such as missing seats or stacked rooftop cargo.
“Let’s take responsibility for safety,” Kananura said. “Every road user can help reduce crashes by making safe choices and reporting violations.”
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