• Kananura emphasized that only certain individuals and vehicles are legally granted priority, including the President, key government officials, emergency responders, and Central Bank cash vans.
  • This clarification comes amid increasing public criticism of perceived road-use privilege, especially by political convoys.

Michael Kananura, the spokesperson for the Uganda Traffic Police, has addressed Ugandans regarding who has priority on the roads. This refers to those who have special access during emergencies.

Photo credit: Abu Mwesigwa | PPU

Recently, Ugandans have voiced concerns about the unequal treatment of road usage by various individuals, particularly political leaders.

The President’s convoy has faced criticism for significantly disrupting traffic and impacting daily activities.

Kananura stated that the President ranks first in terms of right of way. He mentioned that according to the law, drivers must yield as soon as they see the first lead vehicle of the convoy, and only after it has passed can other road users proceed.

He also noted that the Vice President, the Speaker of Parliament, the Prime Minister, and the Chief Justice are among those granted right of way by law. Additionally, emergency vehicles belonging to the Police, Military, and Central Bank bullion vans transporting cash are included. However, cash vehicles from other banks do not have this specific privilege.

Kananura further stated that ambulances responding to emergencies are entitled to right of way as well. However, he warned against individuals pretending to be emergency vehicles using sirens to disrupt traffic.

Lastly, he mentioned that vehicles responding to fires also have priority on the roads.

He cautioned those attempting to fraudulently claim these exclusive rights that such actions are illegal and that severe consequences await those who are caught.