A viral video captured Mr. Andrew Jjemba, the driver employed by Link Bus Services, texting while operating a bus with registration number UBG 188P on the Kampala-Fort Portal-Kasese route. As a result of the video's widespread circulation on social media, Jjemba was suspended from his duties and subsequently apprehended by the police.
Following the incident, Mr. Tom Best Aliinde, the public relations manager of Link Bus Services, acknowledged the viral video and promptly initiated an internal investigation upon discovering it through social media channels. Based on initial findings, Andrew Jjemba was immediately suspended. The company strongly condemned Jjemba's behavior, highlighting the completion of his recent annual refresher training. Such conduct not only demonstrated recklessness and endangerment but also undermined the company's safety standards and reputation.
Jjemba was arrested by the police at Kyegegwa Police Station around 11 am on Wednesday, after they intercepted him. He now faces charges under Regulation 3(a) and 4 of the Traffic and Road Safety (Restriction of Use of Mobile Telephone) Regulations, 2004. SP Michael Kananura, the spokesperson for Traffic and Road Safety, confirmed these charges.
According to the police, the use of mobile phones while driving significantly contributes to road accidents in Uganda.
The annual crime report for the previous year revealed a disturbing 35 percent increase in common traffic offenses. In 2022, the police recorded 456,993 cases, a rise from the 336,722 cases reported in 2021. Consequently, the number of road traffic crashes increased from 17,443 in 2021 to 20,394 in 2022. Among these incidents, 3,901 were fatal, 10,776 were categorized as serious, and 5,717 were classified as minor.
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