The Uganda Police Force has reinstated all roadblocks on all major highways after two months presidential directive on zero barriers on the roads.
Addressing journalists at the Police Headquarters at Naguru on Monday, December 11, Police spokesperson Fred Enanga revealed that all roadblocks which had been removed in the month of October have been put back to deter crimes anticipated to happen during festive season.
He explained that public or road users should adhere to road check points in order to avoid committing a crimes and are liable for punishments.
Recently,roadblocks were removed because traders and investors had complained that roadblocks were being used to extort from them and inconvenience them.
Enanga assured the public of their safety, saying they have instituted safety and security countermeasures with major highways and roads to be supervised by a senior police officers under the integrated highway patrol unit. The highway police command is comprised of major highways.
He said that roadblocks are to ensure there are no robberies on the major highways, trafficking of persons,drink driving and reckless driving.
Last October, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja revealed that the President had directed the removal of all roadblocks on the highways with immediate effect saying they hinder the free movement of goods and services across the East African Community member states.
Nabbanja said there are more than 39 roadblocks on the highways that impede the free movement of goods.
The President first banned roadblocks in 2014, but they were re-established in 2016 in a traffic operation dubbed Fika Salama.
President Museveni, however, again ordered their removal over corruption, but in 2020, they were again re-established during the enforcement of COVID-19 regulations and many had not been removed.
Enanga warned rogue security personnel who want to use the roadblocks to torture passengers or get bribes from drivers who do not put on seat belts, impound overloaded vehicles, or those having mechanical or licence or insurance challenges that the long arm of the law will deal with them if caught.