Bus operators given 60 days to comply as Uganda tightens road safety rules
The Ministry of Works and Transport has announced a 60-day grace period for bus operators to voluntarily inspect their vehicles, in a move aimed at improving road safety and compliance across Uganda’s public transport sector.
The decision follows a high-level meeting between ministry officials and leaders of bus operators, convened in response to a recent rise in road crashes on the country’s highways.
Speaking at the meeting, State Minister for Transport Fred Byamukama emphasized the importance of collaboration between government and transport stakeholders.
“We are here to move at the same pace with you,” he said, underscoring the need for a coordinated approach to address road safety challenges.
Focus on vehicle inspection
At the center of the initiative is the rollout of mandatory Motor Vehicle Inspection Services (MVIS), which the ministry views as a critical step toward reducing accidents caused by mechanical failure.
According to existing regulations:
- Public Service Vehicles (PSVs), including buses, must be inspected annually
- Private vehicles are required to undergo inspection every two years
The newly announced grace period will run from April 8 to June 8, 2026, allowing bus operators time to voluntarily assess and certify the roadworthiness of their vehicles.
“We are giving bus owners a voluntary window to assess the condition of their vehicles for their own good and for the safety of the general public,” Byamukama noted.
Implementation plan
The inspection exercise will initially target buses operating along Northern and Eastern routes, with strict enforcement expected after the grace period. Only vehicles that pass inspection and receive valid certification stickers will be permitted back on the road.
The ministry also revealed plans to extend the inspection campaign to trucks and trailers, which have increasingly been flagged as a major safety concern on national highways.
Broader road safety efforts
This initiative is part of broader efforts by the government of Uganda to curb road accidents and improve transport standards. Authorities hope that early compliance by bus operators will set the tone for stricter enforcement across all vehicle categories in the coming months.
