KAMPALA, UGANDA | NOWVIBA | Police have apprehended Mercy Timbitwire Bashisha, the woman featured in a viral video assaulting a traffic policeman and threatening to have him lose his job. According to Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Kituuma Rusoke, her arrest follows an incident where Bashisha became aggressive after being signaled to stop.
In the video, Bashisha can be heard shouting at the officer, “Let me get the number. This is a government uniform. Leave my phone. Why do you break my phone? Are you supposed to touch me? Am I your wife? Why are you taking my number plate?” She then physically assaults the officer, who ultimately walks away after removing her vehicle’s number plate. Another woman is seen supporting Bashisha, urging the policeman to leave her alone.
WATCH VIDEO: Mercy unlike her name, gives traffic police officer dirty slaps
Witnesses, mostly men, criticized Bashisha’s actions, questioning why she chose to react violently instead of cooperating. ACP Rusoke explained that the incident began around 11:55 a.m. on Jinja Road when Bashisha, driving a Toyota Land Cruiser with registration number UBM 439T, was involved in a minor traffic accident.
Despite being signaled to stop, she continued driving while on her phone. The officer followed her to the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) premises, where she eventually parked her vehicle.
“Despite his signals, the motorist refused to stop and continued driving while using her phone. After catching up at Lugogo traffic lights, she allegedly parked at UMA and locked her vehicle. Our officer asked for her driving permit, and she resorted to intimidation,” ACP Rusoke stated. Bashisha is also reported to have taken the officer’s EPS gadget and two of his phones. “She is currently in detention as investigations proceed,” Rusoke added.
This incident highlights a troubling trend of assaults on traffic officers in Uganda. In 2022, Constable Robert Mukebezi was shot and had his leg amputated following an encounter with a soldier while attempting to impound an army vehicle involved in a crash.
Similarly, in 2020, the late Maj. Gen. Paul Lokech assaulted Kira Division Traffic Police Commander Ruth Kobutungy along the Kireka-Namugongo road. The police have urged the public to respect traffic officers and comply with traffic laws, warning that such assaults will not be tolerated.
