KAMPALA, UGANDA – Mercy Timbitwire Bashisha, a Ugandan motorist, has been charged and remanded to Luzira Prison for allegedly assaulting a traffic officer on duty.
The incident occurred on October 18, 2024, at 11:55 AM when the traffic officer from Jinja Road Police Station signaled Bashisha to pull over her white Toyota Land Cruiser (reg. No. UBM 439T) at Lugogo Traffic lights. However, she refused to stop, continued driving while using her phone, and later parked at the Uganda Manufacturers Association, locking her vehicle.
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When the officer requested her driving permit, Bashisha allegedly intimidated and assaulted him, slapping him despite his calm demeanor. The situation escalated further when Bashisha confiscated the police EPS gadget and two phones belonging to the officer.
A video of the incident has emerged, showing Bashisha confronting the officer and sparking widespread condemnation.
On Monday, Bashisha faced charges including assault, attempted simple robbery of an EPS machine, failure to comply with police directives, careless driving, and driving with expired insurance. Despite pleading not guilty, Bashisha was remanded until November 4, pending further investigations.
This incident highlights concerns about road safety and the behavior of some motorists in Uganda. The police have urged the public to cooperate with officers and respect the rule of law.
The investigation into Bashisha’s actions is ongoing. The next hearing is scheduled for November 4, 2024.
