The misuse of car sirens on Ugandan roads has long been a source of serious concern. Vehicles that are not required to use sirens have always forced other drivers off the road with their sirens.
Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka has explained why sirens have become meaningless.
Speaking at the two-day engagement with CID commanders at Kibuli, Kiryowa Kiwanuka said that it pains him to see a police patrol with lights on and people don’t even make an effort to create a little room for the vehicle.
According to Kiwanuka, the police have been overly tolerant of those that misuse sirens.
“I am sure no commander here, has ever arrested anyone for misusing sirens,” said Kiwanuka.
He asked the officers not to shy away from arresting public officials who misuse car sirens.
“This will help to restore the right importance of sirens,” he said.
According to Ugandan traffic laws, emergency sirens are supposed to only be used by police, especially patrol vehicles, lead vehicles for Very Important Persons (VIPs), the presidential convoy, and emergency vehicles and motorcycles such as ambulances and rescue vehicles like fire brigade trucks.
Among the people entitled to have cars with sirens, are the president, vice president, Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Chief Justice, Deputy Chief Justice, and some army officials. However, the law says that it is not mandatory or important to always sound the siren(s).