Uganda Police have issued a warning to social media influencers and content creators who record videos while driving, saying anyone caught engaging in the practice risks criminal prosecution under the country’s traffic laws.
The warning comes amid growing concerns about distracted driving, as some motorists increasingly use their vehicles as filming spaces for social media videos, potentially putting themselves, passengers and other road users in danger.
Addressing journalists in Kampala on Wednesday, November 11, Traffic and Road Safety Directorate spokesperson SP Michael Kananura said police are stepping up enforcement against motorists who use mobile phones while driving.
Kananura specifically cautioned content creators who record videos behind the wheel, reminding them that Uganda’s traffic regulations prohibit the use of mobile phones while operating a vehicle.
“There’s a law that can get those content creators who record videos on the road and record videos while driving,” Kananura said.
He urged influencers and other motorists to prioritise road safety instead of allowing social media activities to distract them while driving.
“They are putting their lives and those of other road users at risk. We urge them to stop such behaviour and concentrate on the road because careless driving can lead to fatal crashes,” he added.
Under Uganda’s Traffic and Road Safety (Restriction of Use of Mobile Telephones) Regulations, 2004, drivers are prohibited from operating mobile phones while driving.
Motorists convicted of violating the regulations face a penalty of up to one year in prison, a fine of not less than five currency points, or both.
The warning puts content creators on notice that filming social media videos while driving is not simply a matter of online responsibility but can also carry legal consequences.
Police are urging motorists to keep their attention on the road, stressing that no video, online trend or social media engagement should take priority over the safety of everyone using the road.