The traffic Police Directorate has cautioned drivers of funeral service vehicles against using sirens and roof lights while on the road because they do not have a right of way, for which sirens would be sought.
Failure to adhere to the cautions will have the vehicles impounded.
The warning was sounded by Assistant Commissioner of Police Charles Ssebambulidde, one of the immediate past traffic operations directors and now traffic directorate spokesperson.
He noted that they have observed a growing number of funeral service vehicles with sirens which are causing confusion on roads.
According to Ssebambulidde, much as traffic police recognize the vital role played by funeral cars in giving decent transportation to the dead, the service is not an emergency, and as such, does not allow them a right of way.
The traffic and road safety Act gives right of way to cars categorized as emergency vehicles that include used by the forces, ambulances, motor vehicles of armed forces and others that may be chosen by the minister by statutory order.
He says that all cars attached to funeral homes have been given a grace period, not exceeding this month, to voluntarily uninstall the sirens. After the grace period, traffic personnel will impound all vehicles, including private cars that illegally use sirens on the roads.
Ssebambulidde argues that many Ugandans have abused the right of way by installing all sorts of sirens and roof lights on their private cars and funeral vans thus inconveniencing other road users.
Police say a crackdown on cars with illegal sirens that started early this year has seen more than 100 vehicles impounded and owners forced to uninstall them.
