Kampala — The Police have banned the transportation of animals in passenger vehicles in a bid to reduce road accidents and theft during the Christmas period.

The ban was announced by Henry Kalulu, the deputy Kampala Metropolitan spokesperson, during the weekly press briefing held at the Central Police Station in Kampala yesterday. The ban, that will see offenders fined up to sh600,000 or face two years in jail, takes immediate effect.

"The Police is particularly on the look-out for up-country buses and taxis that load animals such as goats, sheep and chicken along with passengers. Passenger vehicles are for people not animals," said Kalulu.

He cautioned drivers on reckless driving, speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol.

He said seven fatal accidents were recorded in Kampala last week in which three motorists, three pedestrians and one cyclist died.