Some of the netted vehicles now in police custody
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I They were staggering home, but this time in driver’s seats, as 124 motorists were arrested in a targeted drink-driving crackdown across the Kampala Metropolitan Police area in a bid to curb road crashes caused by driving under the influence of alcohol.
The suspects were apprehended on Sunday, October 18, 2026, during a coordinated operation code-named Operation Kawunyemu, conducted by the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety in partnership with Kampala Metropolitan Police.
The operation covered nine police divisions and stations, with officers setting up enforcement checks and roadblocks along major routes to identify and detain motorists suspected of driving after consuming alcohol.
According to SP Michael Kananura, spokesperson for the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, all 124 suspects were detained pending court proceedings scheduled for Monday, October 19.
The arrests form part of renewed police efforts to remove dangerous drivers from the roads and protect motorists, passengers, pedestrians and other road users from preventable crashes.
“Our message is clear: If you drink, do not drive. Arrange for a sober driver or use a special-hire vehicle to get home safely,” Kananura said.
“We will not allow anyone to endanger lives by drinking and driving,” he added, warning that police would continue conducting similar operations across Kampala and surrounding areas.
Katwe Leads in Arrests
Katwe registered the highest number of arrests, with 24 drivers apprehended during the operation.
Kawempe followed with 18 arrests, while Nansana recorded 16. Kabalagala and Old Kampala each registered 14 suspects, while Kampala Central Police Station (CPS) accounted for 13.
Jinja Road recorded 12 arrests, Kiira Road seven, and Nsangi six, completing the total of 124 motorists detained across the nine stations.
The distribution of arrests suggests that enforcement teams were deployed across several busy urban areas rather than concentrating on a single location.
Police have not provided further details about the individual suspects or the specific circumstances surrounding each arrest. However, the operation was intended to deter motorists from driving after drinking and reinforce compliance with road safety regulations.
Police Warn of More Crackdowns
Kananura said the arrests should serve as a warning to motorists who continue to put lives at risk by driving under the influence of alcohol.
The police intend to maintain surprise enforcement operations in Kampala and its surrounding suburbs, with officers conducting checks in different locations to catch offenders.
Authorities have also warned that future operations could go beyond arrests and court proceedings, with police threatening to publicly identify motorists caught driving while intoxicated.
“In subsequent operations we will have no option but to name and shame those who choose to drink and drive,” Kananura said.
The proposed public identification of offenders is intended to strengthen deterrence by exposing motorists whose decisions endanger other road users.
Drink-driving remains a serious road safety concern because alcohol can impair judgment, slow reaction times and reduce a driver’s ability to control a vehicle or respond to sudden hazards. These effects increase the risk of collisions, injuries and deaths, particularly on busy urban roads where vehicles, motorcycles, cyclists and pedestrians share limited space.
Police have repeatedly urged motorists who intend to drink to make alternative transport arrangements rather than drive themselves home.
Sober Driving Message
Operation Kawunyemu underscores the police position that road safety enforcement will target motorists whose conduct puts other people in danger.
With all 124 suspects detained and court proceedings expected to begin on October 19, the crackdown sends a strong message that drink-driving offences will attract legal consequences.
Kananura urged motorists to take personal responsibility for their safety and that of other road users by ensuring they are sober before getting behind the wheel.
Police say the operations will continue as part of wider efforts to reduce crashes and promote discipline on Uganda’s roads.
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