Police spokesperson Afande SP Michael Kananura has responded to growing concerns that Operation Tekeleza Sheria could be selectively targeting some motorists while leaving others who allegedly commit similar traffic offences untouched.The ongoing operation is being conducted by the Uganda Police Force together with the UPDF Military Police Brigade.
It is mainly targeting motorists using illegal sirens and lights, as well as vehicles whose number plates are missing, concealed or improperly displayed.Questions about the enforcement emerged after an X user raised concerns about vehicles belonging to prominent personalities, including musicians Eddy Kenzo and Bebe Cool, who were alleged to be driving vehicles that appeared to violate some of the regulations being enforced.In response, Kananura explained that enforcement teams are not moving from one person’s home to another searching for particular vehicles or individuals. He said officers mainly intercept motorists when they encounter them on public roads or at designated enforcement points.According to Kananura, the operation is focused on traffic offences rather than the identity, profession or social standing of the vehicle owner.He said any vehicle encountered by the enforcement teams while committing one of the offences targeted under the operation can be stopped and dealt with according to the law.“We have taken note of concerns regarding alleged selective enforcement in the ongoing Operation Tekeleza Sheria, particularly involving illegal sirens and lights, concealed or missing number plates,” Kananura said.The police spokesperson further explained that the fact that a particular vehicle has not been stopped does not mean that it has been granted special treatment or protection from enforcement.“A vehicle that encounters our enforcement teams while committing a targeted violation will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
The fact that a particular vehicle has not yet been intercepted does not mean it is exempt or protected,” he stated.Kananura also warned motorists against assuming that they can continue violating traffic laws simply because they have not yet been intercepted. He said enforcement teams will continue operating in different locations and at different times.“Those who continue violating the law should not assume they will evade enforcement indefinitely,” he warned.He urged motorists to ensure that their vehicles comply with all traffic requirements, including removing unauthorised sirens and lights and properly fitting and displaying their number plates.
Kananura maintained that the wider objective of Operation Tekeleza Sheria is to enforce traffic laws, restore discipline on Uganda’s roads and ensure that motorists comply with the same regulations.“The objective is not to target individuals but to enforce the law, restore discipline on our roads and ensure that no one is above the law,” he said.His remarks come amid continued public discussion about whether the operation is being applied uniformly, especially when vehicles linked to high-profile individuals are involved. Kananura’s response was that enforcement depends on when and where officers encounter a vehicle committing a targeted offence, rather than on the identity of its owner.
