Uganda Traffic Police spokesperson SP Michael Kananura has warned motorists driving vehicles without number plates or fitted with unauthorised sirens that they face tougher enforcement, including arrest and court proceedings.
Kananura stressed that driving an expensive vehicle or holding a prominent position does not exempt anyone from traffic regulations. He said officers would take action against motorists using restricted vehicle fittings without the necessary authorisation.
“Regardless of who you are, we shall arrest you if you have a vehicle fitted with sirens or operating without number plates when you are not among the dignitaries authorised to have those things in your car,” Kananura warned.
His message targets motorists who use sirens or operate vehicles without number plates despite not qualifying for the privileges reserved for authorised officials.
The spokesperson also outlined how the police approach to handling these violations has changed over time. According to him, officers previously removed illegal fittings, including hidden number plates and unauthorised sirens, before allowing offenders to leave.
That approach later shifted towards arresting motorists and taking them to court. Kananura said enforcement has since become stricter, with authorities now combining arrests, court proceedings and the removal of fittings that violate traffic regulations.
“Now, we arrest you, take you to jail, arraign you in court and remove everything that violates traffic laws,” he said.
The warning signals a tougher approach to motorists who disregard vehicle identification requirements or misuse equipment intended for authorised officials.
Kananura maintained that the police have repeatedly sensitised the public about the need to comply with traffic laws. However, he indicated that awareness campaigns would not prevent officers from taking action against those who continue to break the rules.
He also expressed hope that motorists who experience the consequences of enforcement, including possible time in jail, would learn from the experience and avoid repeating the violations.
The remarks place particular emphasis on the principle that vehicle ownership, wealth or social standing does not place anyone above the law. Motorists who use unauthorised sirens or drive without number plates risk facing the consequences regardless of who they are.
For drivers accustomed to treating such vehicle fittings as a status symbol or a way to secure special treatment on the road, Kananura’s message is clear: traffic regulations apply, and enforcement is getting tougher.