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Police reinstates highway roadblocks ahead of Christmas season

The directive comes just two months after the President in October 2022 ordered the removal of all highway roadblocks citing complaints by traders, businessmen and investors over delays while on the road, courtesy of the roadblocks.

KAMPALA, UGANDA: President Museveni has directed the Inspector General of Police IGP Martins Okoth Ochola to reinstate police roadblocks on major highways in the country to reduce crime and restore sanity on the roads ahead of Christmas and New Year’s festivities.

The directive comes just two months after the President in October 2022 ordered the removal of all highway roadblocks citing complaints by traders, businessmen and investors over delays while on the road, courtesy of the roadblocks.

Police spokesperson SCP Fred Enanga while addressing the media today (Monday) revealed that the IGP with guidance from the President has instructed the director of police operations to reinstate highway roadblocks due to increasing attacks on security units in the country.

“With guidance from President, the IGP has instructed the director of operations to reinstate all police roadblocks and checkpoints,” Enanga said during the weekly security briefing at Naguru Police headquarters.

“We have reinstated roadblocks and checkpoints with immediate effect in dark spot areas and others guided by intelligence and traffic-related incidents,” he added.

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According to Enanga, ever since roadblocks and checkpoints were removed, a vacuum was created and this consequently presented an opportunity for wrong elements to commit crimes and escape as well as carry out drug trafficking.

“On the side of traffic, it had allowed recklessness from motorists on the highways causing serious and fatal accidents, especially in dark spots where Fika Salama checkpoints had been stationed.”

He added that with the removal of roadblocks, not only have incidents of cattle theft and transportation of contraband have become the order of the night, but incidents of reckless driving have also increased on roads, thus leading to numerous crashes

IGP Ochola has also directed to ensure all major highways are safe and use the checkpoints to arrest criminals and traffic violators.

“The roadblocks and checkpoints will now have an officer in charge of making the operational decisions of command, protection, search and intelligence. They have also been tasked to remain vigilant for crime prevention, deterrence and counter-terror operations to avoid incidents like our checkpoint in Luweero that was attacked. We urge all motorists to follow instructions of police officers to stop or pull over when asked,” Enanga explained.

The IGP further warned any of police personnel who will turn the checkpoints into a money-making opportunity that they will be prosecuted. A police officer of a senior rank compared to those manning the roadblocks will be attached purposely to supervise their conduct.

Enanga said the checkpoints and roadblocks will be supported by patrols in different areas and robust standby teams.

The development comes against the backdrop of increased attacks on security personnel, especially police officers by unknown assailants who mostly rob their guns.

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