Uganda Mandates Stricter Bus Safety Rules After Fatal Crashes

Uganda is tightening its grip on public transport safety with a raft of new regulations aimed at preventing fatal crashes. The government announced nationwide measures on August 17, 2026, including mandatory vehicle inspections, biometric driver identification, and stricter limits on working hours.

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The government has ordered a nationwide tightening of regulations governing public service buses and school transport, including mandatory vehicle inspections, biometric driver identification, stricter working-hour limits and the closure of illegal bus parks.

The crackdown follows several recent accidents involving buses and schoolchildren, which highlighted concerns over vehicle safety, driver fatigue, and regulatory enforcement. The Ministry of Works and Transport has recalled all existing route charts for public service buses. Operators have one month to undergo a comprehensive audit of bus ownership before new charts are issued. Vehicles with unclear legal ownership or operational custody will be barred from receiving new documentation.

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The measures, announced by Works and Transport Minister Fred Byamukama on August 17, 2026, come weeks after a series of fatal crashes involving buses and schoolchildren raised fresh concerns over vehicle safety, driver fatigue and enforcement of transport regulations.

Every public service bus must pass a full mechanical inspection at the Namanve Vehicle Inspection Centre to obtain a new route chart or operating license. Vehicles failing these checks will be grounded until repaired and certified. The ministry is also enhancing driver control through annual badges and biometric identification, linking drivers to specific vehicles to prevent unauthorized use.

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Under the new measures, all existing route charts for public service buses have been recalled, with the Ministry of Works and Transport given one month to verify operators and issue new charts.

Driver fatigue is a primary target, with buses traveling over 450 kilometers requiring at least two accredited drivers. Routes exceeding 300 kilometers demand operators prove they have enough drivers for two per bus for return journeys. Shorter routes mandate at least eight consecutive hours of rest for drivers making return trips. Long-distance buses must observe a mandatory night-stop period from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am. The government is also closing all un-gazetted stages, roadside loading points, and illegal bus parks.

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Every public service bus will also be required to undergo a full mechanical roadworthiness inspection at the Namanve Vehicle Inspection Centre before receiving a new route chart or operating licence.