The inspector general of police Martin Okoth Ochola has upon President Museveni’s orders directed for the reinstatement of police roadblocks and check points.
This revelation has been made by the police spokesperson SPC Fred Enanga in a release dated 12th December 2022.
Enanga revealed that the removal of these road blocks had caused a threat to both the citizens and operations by the police.
“It had been observed, that during the period that the road blocks were removed, some wrong elements and criminals had used the vacuum created, to commit crimes and escape, carry contraband and stolen properties. On the side of traffic, it had allowed undisciplined drivers to drive recklessly on major roads and highways, thus causing accidents especially in dark spots, where the FIKA SALAAMA checkpoints had been removed.”
Enanga said that they have reinstated the roadblocks and checkpoints with immediate effect in dark spots to fight these vices and also beef up security ahead of Christmas and New Year 2023 celebrations.
Police has upon this called upon all territorial units to ensure safety on all major roads and highways and use the check points to arrest traffic violators, drug and child traffickers, robbers, and other violent criminals as the festive season draws closer.
The roadblocks and checkpoints will have an officer in-charge of making operational decisions of command, protection, search and intelligence and further ensure personnel at checkpoints are vigilant for crime prevention, crime deterrence and counter-terror operations. The checkpoints will be supported by moving patrols and robust standby teams.
Motorists have also been urged to follow the instructions of police officers to stop or pull over and to avoid traffic violations like, making an illegal U-turn, failure to use turn signals, failure to yield, disobeying a traffic signal, driving the wrong way, forcefully driving through a checkpoint.
“Any acts of indiscipline, through unnecessary arrests, vehicle impounds, extortion and bribery are prohibited and punishable by law. We encourage, all motorists, passengers and other road users to remain vigilant and record any acts of indiscipline and professional misconduct, on their smart phones or other recording devices for evidence purposes.”
President Museveni has had series of orders concerning these roadblocks. He ordered for their removal in 2014 and they were reestablished in 2016 to fight errant motorists. President Museveni again ordered their removal over corruption. They were restored in 2020 to enforce COVID-19 regulations until October this year when they were lifted.
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