The Inspector General of Police, Martins Okoth Ochola, has instructed the Director of Operations to reinstate police roadblocks and checkpoints, following guidance from President Museveni.
In October, Museveni directed the removal of all roadblocks on highways after complaints by traders, businessmen and investors over delays while on the road.
However, Police Spokesperson, Fred Enanga, said it was observed that during the period that the roadblocks 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, he said 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.
“It is against this background and our security preparedness for Christmas and the New year 2023 celebrations, that we have re-instated roadblocks and checkpoints with immediate effect, in dark spot areas that are guided by intelligence and traffic-related incidents,” he said.
He asked all territorial units to ensure all major roads and highways are safe and use the checkpoints to arrest traffic violators, drug and child traffickers, robbers, and other violent criminals, especially during the festive season.
The roadblocks/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.
He further urged all motorists 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 your 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 smartphones or other recording devices for evidence purposes,” he said.