Mbarara, Uganda — Police in western Uganda have intercepted a commuter taxi that was dangerously overloaded with students and carrying fuel, raising fresh concerns about road safety and enforcement of transport regulations.
The vehicle, registration number UA 667DN, was stopped en route from Ibanda to Kasese after officers discovered it was carrying 35 students—more than double its licensed capacity of 14 passengers.
According to authorities, the students, aged between 15 and 21, were packed tightly inside the minibus, with some reportedly seated on jerrycans filled with petrol.
“This was an extremely dangerous situation,” a police officer involved in the operation said, noting that transporting passengers alongside flammable fuel significantly increased the risk of fire or explosion in the event of an accident.
The driver was immediately arrested and is currently being held at Mbarara Central Police Station pending court action.
Police said they are working to arrange safer transport for the stranded students to ensure they reach their destination without further risk.
The incident comes amid ongoing road safety concerns in Uganda, where overloading of public service vehicles and poor compliance with transport regulations remain common challenges. According to the Uganda Police Force, reckless driving, overloading, and mechanical issues are among the leading causes of road crashes in the country.
Authorities have repeatedly warned transport operators against flouting safety rules, particularly when transporting school children and other vulnerable groups.
“This should serve as a reminder that safety must come first,” the officer added. “We will continue to enforce the law to protect lives on our roads.”
Police have urged the public to report dangerous transport practices as enforcement operations continue across the region.
