On what was supposed to be a normal drive to Masaka, road users instead found themselves watching a live-action episode of Fast & Furious: Kampala Drift Edition as a convoy of Subaru boys allegedly turned the Masaka Highway into their personal race track.
The “Bala Bala Avengers,” famous for their loud exhausts, tinted windows and dangerous confidence, were reportedly busy “testing machine” from Kingo to Kadugala, until Traffic Police said, “Kati enough is enough!”
According to Traffic Police spokesperson Michael Kananura, six drivers were arrested after panicked motorists alerted police about a group of Subaru drivers allegedly doing what Subaru boys do best: unnecessary overtaking, competing with each other, and driving like they had nine lives and a sponsorship deal from Shell V-Power.
“Masaka CPS is holding six drivers of different Subaru vehicles over reckless driving,” Kananura revealed, probably while wondering why every Subaru driver believes they are auditioning for WRC Rally Uganda.
Police say CCTV cameras followed the suspects from Kyabakuza to Kijabwemi Roundabout, Nsenene Stage and the Masaka Welcome Roundabout. In simple terms? The boys forgot that in Uganda these days, even road cameras have gossip.
Witnesses say the convoy was weaving through traffic at high speed, engines growling like lions that skipped breakfast. One passenger taxi driver reportedly shouted, “Banange these Subaru people think the road is a PlayStation!”
The impounded rides included the usual suspects, blue and aggressive-looking machines carrying registration numbers UBJ 957P, UBC 788C, UBG 436V, UAO 37DV, UBN 085D and UBL 848N. Sources say some of the cars still had half-empty bottles of energy drink and air fresheners smelling like “Tokyo Drift.”
The suspects are now cooling their turbo-charged ambitions from Masaka Central Police Station as they await court proceedings and investigations.
For years, Subaru drivers — affectionately known in Kampala slang as “Bala Bala engineers”, have built a reputation for believing indicators are optional, speed limits are suggestions, and every Toyota Premio driver is an obstacle in a video game.
But behind the jokes is a serious reality.
Uganda’s roads are becoming increasingly deadly. According to the 2025 Uganda Police Annual Crime and Traffic Safety Report, the country recorded 26,044 road crashes last year, an increase from 25,107 in 2024. Even more heartbreaking, 5,383 people lost their lives in road accidents, translating to about 15 Ugandans dying every single day.
And while Subaru boys may enjoy “pressure on the highway,” police are warning that public roads are not racing circuits.
Kananura urged motorists to drive responsibly and respect traffic regulations to protect lives.
Still, somewhere in Kampala tonight, another Subaru owner is probably fitting a louder exhaust, convinced police only arrested the others because “their machines were not serious enough.”
