Govt Proposes Tough Road Safety Reforms, Targets Vehicle Owners and Repeat Traffic Offenders

The Ugandan government is considering sweeping road safety reforms that could significantly alter traffic offense enforcement, placing tougher scrutiny on vehicle owners, public transport operators, and drivers with a history of violations.

Key proposals under review include measures to hold vehicle owners responsible for traffic violations committed using their vehicles. Additionally, the government plans to introduce biometric monitoring systems for public service drivers to track working hours and rest periods, aiming to combat driver fatigue. A demerit points system for repeat offenders is also proposed, which could lead to the suspension of driving privileges for persistent violators.

These recommendations stem from a national consultative workshop on the Express Penalty Scheme (EPS) and speed management. Winstone Katushabe, Commissioner for Transport Regulation and Safety, stated that the proposals reflect stakeholder and public input. "We are discussing the views of the public, not the views of the ministry. We shall analyze these proposals and present them to Cabinet for consideration," Katushabe said.

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We are discussing the views of the public, not the views of the ministry. We shall analyze these proposals and present them to Cabinet for consideration.

The reforms are a response to growing concerns over speeding, reckless driving, and other dangerous road practices that contribute to frequent crashes. The proposal to hold vehicle owners accountable emphasizes their duty to know who operates their vehicles and to provide that information when authorities investigate an offense. The Ministry of Works and Transport is also collaborating with vehicle inspection agencies and the National Environment Management Authority to address noise pollution from excessively loud vehicle horns.

Katushabe noted that every vehicle has a prescribed noise level, and motorists should not install horns exceeding acceptable limits. The introduction of the demerit points system aims to deter repeated violations by imposing additional sanctions beyond fines, potentially leading to license suspension for habitual offenders. The focus on driver fatigue, particularly among commercial operators, highlights a major contributor to road accidents.

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