Uganda Proposes Electronic Monitoring for Public Transport Drivers to Boost Safety

The Ministry of Works and Transport is set to introduce a new electronic clocking-in system for drivers of public service vehicles. This proposal comes as a direct response to recent fatal accidents that have shaken the nation, highlighting critical safety lapses.

During a meeting with the Parliament’s Committee on Physical Infrastructure, ministry officials presented findings indicating widespread non-compliance with existing transport regulations. These included issues such as unlicensed buses, drivers operating without proper accreditation, significant mechanical defects, and a general laxity in enforcement.

The proposed system will require PSV drivers to log their journeys at designated points. This digital record will enable authorities to track driving hours, monitor rest periods, and identify instances of speeding. “Other than the medical tests, we want to look at fatigue as one of the challenges,” explained Winston Katushabe, Commissioner for Transport Regulation and Safety. “So it will tell us the driver, how many hours you have rested within 24 hours.”

This initiative is part of a broader review of the National Road Safety Action Plan. The ministry is also looking at stricter medical examinations for drivers, improving the standardization of school buses, and upgrading automated driver testing equipment. Furthermore, plans are underway to strengthen digital verification systems to combat the use of unlicensed vehicles and unauthorized drivers.

Beyond driver and vehicle safety, the Ministry of Works and Transport also addressed issues plaguing road construction projects. Minister Hon. Fred Byamukama acknowledged that corruption, poor contract management, and insufficient land acquisition before construction have led to significant cost overruns and project delays. To combat this, future road contracts will only be signed once at least 50% of the necessary land has been secured.

These reforms signal a determined effort by the government to enhance road safety and accountability across the transport sector, from the drivers on the road to the management of major infrastructure projects.