Police in Kampala are holding a driver who was captured in a viral video attempting to run over a traffic police officer for ordering him to stop his car on Kampala Road.

The Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Patrick Onyango identifies the suspect as Isaac Mukwaya, the owner of a vehicle Registration number UAZ 515C. He says police has charged him with violating traffic lights, reckless driving and attempted murder at CPS, Kampala.

“When Katongole attempted to stop Mukwaya’s vehicle by standing in front of it, Mukwaya decided to overrun him. The policeman narrowly escaped being squeezed between Mukwaya’s vehicle and another parked vehicle. Fortunately, the incident was recorded on camera, which the police used to track down Mukwaya,” said Onyango.

In the viral video, Mukwaya is seen attempting to knock down a traffic policeman, Josam Katongole, after he is blocked from moving forward. Onyango says that Mukwaya was tracked down and arrested, however, he feigned illness by placing a cannular on his hand.

He further explains that a medical examination conducted on Mukwaya proved he is of sound health.

The police have filed three charges against him: violating traffic lights, reckless driving, and attempted murder. The police have emphasized the importance of the general public, particularly motorists, adhering to the instructions given by traffic officers.

Last year, more than 10 police officers died in road crashes, with at least three deliberately being knocked down, including one who was killed by a vehicle belonging to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Last year, 4,534 fatalities occurred on Ugandan roads.

The majority of these deaths were attributed to reckless driving, inconsiderate use of the road, speeding, vehicles in dangerous mechanical conditions, and a disregard for road regulations.