Police to impound taxis, buses with tinted windows

Police says PSVs mustn’t have tinted windows

The ministry for Works and Transport has instructed traffic police to impound all public service vehicles equipped with tinted windows. 

Commissioner for transport regulation and road safety Winston Katushabe issued the directive Wednesday during the launch of next year’s road safety campaign in Kampala, focusing on the theme “Stay Aware, Stay Alive: Road Safety for All.”

Katushabe emphasized that public service vehicles (PSVs) like taxis, coasters, or buses must have windows with sufficient visibility for passengers, allowing easy identification by law enforcement officers. According to Katushabe, tinting these vehicles creates an impression of involvement in criminal activities, such as smuggling contraband.

Furthermore, Katushabe also warned against placing images of politicians or celebrities and advertisements on the windows and numberplates that would obstruct visibility.

Michael Kananura, traffic police spokesperson reiterated that nationwide operations targeting traffic law violators are ongoing, stressing that no one will be exempted due to extensive prior awareness campaigns.

“We have used the media and we have held meetings with the leaders and operators of all forms of public transporters. We have started operations to ensure we have safe roads during the festive season,” Kananura said.

December typically witnesses a surge in traffic-related fatalities and injuries. While daily road deaths typically range from 11 to 12 people, December often experiences an increase to 14 or more fatalities per day. This spike is attributed to heightened excitement, increased travel, speeding, and drunk driving.

Siraje Mutyaba, a driver and a representative of public transporters, urged the police and the ministry of Works to first educate individuals about the regulations regarding tinting or displaying images on public service vehicles. 

“You cannot wake up one day and start arresting drivers and boda bodas for putting images on the vehicles without sensitizing them. They should at least spend one-month educating people in the laws,” Mutyaba said. 

Furthermore, parents were cautioned against allowing children below the age of 12 to occupy the co-driver’s seats, as it exposes them to severe injury or death in case of an accident.

“Some people want to go and show people in the villages that they have bought new cars. Some put children on the steering claiming they are showing them love. You must not carry children in the front seats. You must have child restraints,” Katushabe said.