Buikwe, Uganda: Police in Buikwe District have arrested a Subaru driver after his vehicle’s modified exhaust system allegedly produced loud explosive noises that sparked panic among residents and patients in Lugazi Municipality, with many mistaking the sounds for gunfire, DailyMonitor reported on Friday evening.
The driver, who was operating a Subaru registration number UBH 104B, was arrested on Thursday night after reportedly driving through residential neighbourhoods while repeatedly revving the vehicle’s modified exhaust, causing loud popping sounds resembling gunshots.
The incident triggered alarm among residents, some of whom feared an armed robbery or shooting was underway and promptly alerted security agencies.
Ssezibwa Regional Police spokesperson Hellen Butoto confirmed the arrest on Friday, saying police responded after receiving numerous distress calls from members of the public and officials at nearby health facilities.
“The suspect was driving through Lugazi Town while producing loud explosive sounds similar to gunshots at a time when most residents were asleep. The noise also disrupted patients receiving treatment in nearby health facilities,” Butoto said.
She said the disturbance prompted security agencies to heighten their operational readiness and brief the Office of the President in Buikwe District as a precaution.
The operation to trace the vehicle was directed by Buikwe Resident District Commissioner Maj. (Rtd) David Matovu and District Police Commander Innocent Tumusiime, who instructed officers to impound the vehicle and arrest the driver.
Beyond the noise disturbance, police said preliminary investigations uncovered additional traffic-related offences. “Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect was speeding along the Kampala–Jinja Highway and was operating a vehicle believed to be in a dangerous mechanical condition,” Ms Butoto added.
The suspect is currently being held at Lugazi Police Station as detectives complete investigations before presenting the case to court. Police said the vehicle will also undergo further inspection as part of the ongoing investigations.
Ms Butoto cautioned motorists against illegally modifying vehicle exhaust systems in ways that endanger public safety or cause unnecessary alarm. She added that motorists whose vehicles violate the country’s noise regulations risk arrest and prosecution.
Under Uganda’s National Environment (Noise Standards and Control) Regulations, 2003, noise pollution includes uncontrolled sound emissions likely to endanger human health, disturb public peace or negatively affect the environment.
This story was compiled by DailyExpress with original reporting from Monitor.
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