transportation 10 August 2026 Nile Post
Uganda Mandates Driver Swaps for Long-Haul Buses to Combat Fatigue and Crashes
In response to a spate of fatal road accidents, the Ugandan government has issued a new directive requiring bus operators to implement driver changes for journeys exceeding 300 kilometers. This measure aims to significantly reduce driver fatigue, a key factor identified in recent deadly crashes. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/362419/govt-orders-bus-drivers-to-switch-after-long-journeys-to-curb-fatigue
The Ministry of Works and Transport has introduced strict new regulations for bus operators, mandating driver swaps for long-distance routes to combat driver fatigue. This directive follows a series of tragic bus and school transport accidents that have claimed numerous lives in recent weeks.
Under the new rules, any bus undertaking a journey of over 300 kilometers must have a different driver for the return trip. Drivers completing the outbound leg of such long journeys will be prohibited from driving the same bus back. For routes shorter than 300 kilometers, a driver can complete a return journey, but must then cease work for the day, unable to undertake a third trip.
Traffic Police have been instructed to apprehend any operators or drivers found in violation of these new regulations. This intensified enforcement comes after investigations into recent crashes revealed non-compliance with transport regulations, including issues with unlicensed vehicles, unqualified drivers, mechanical faults, and weak oversight.
The government is also proposing an electronic clocking-in system for public service vehicle drivers to meticulously monitor driving hours and rest periods. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance road safety, which includes strengthening digital verification for vehicle and driver licensing and reviewing the national road safety action plan.
These measures are a direct response to several high-profile incidents. In July, a collision involving an Opit Travellers bus resulted in 14 fatalities. Shortly after, a school bus crash in Mukono killed a teacher, and another school bus accident in Mbale injured several students. The most devastating incident occurred on July 16, when a school bus crash in Kapchorwa claimed 24 lives, including the driver’s, prompting an initial suspension of school trips.
Officials emphasize that these new driver fatigue regulations are crucial for protecting passengers and all road users. The government aims to build a comprehensive road safety strategy that ensures adequate driver rest, rigorous vehicle checks, and strict enforcement against non-compliant operators.
Source: Nile Post