transport 21 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Mandates Life Jackets Amidst Rising Lake Accident Risks
The Ugandan Ministry of Works and Transport has declared life jackets mandatory for all passengers on watercraft, with strict penalties for non-compliance due to increased accident risks from monsoon winds. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/govt-makes-life-jackets-mandatory-as-strong-winds-raise-accident-risk-on-lakes-5566722
The Ugandan government, through the Ministry of Works and Transport, has issued a new directive making life jackets compulsory for everyone on board vessels navigating the country’s inland waters. This measure comes as a proactive response to the heightened risk of marine accidents, particularly during the monsoon season which brings strong winds and rough waves.
Marine Notice No. 001/2026, signed by Minister of State for Works and Transport Julius Maganda Wandera, explicitly states that boat owners and operators must provide an adequate supply of life-saving appliances. These life jackets must be readily accessible, especially on conventional vessels. Failure to comply with this provision will result in prosecution.
The notice further emphasizes that all passengers on boats powered by outboard engines are required to wear life jackets throughout their entire journey, from departure to arrival. The Ministry has made it clear that any individual found not wearing a life jacket will face legal action. “Any passenger/person who fails to wear a life jacket shall be prosecuted in the Courts of Law,” the directive warns.
In addition to the life jacket mandate, the Ministry is cracking down on unregistered and unlicensed boats. Such vessels found operating on inland waterways will be impounded, and their owners will be prosecuted. Furthermore, operations for boats with outboard engines are now restricted to daylight hours, between 6:30 AM and 6:30 PM. Any boats found operating at night will be detained, and their operators prosecuted.
These stringent measures are part of the government’s commitment to ensuring adequate, safe, and well-maintained transport infrastructure and services, contributing to Uganda’s socio-economic development. Overloading of vessels also remains strictly prohibited under these new regulations.