Kampala Businesswoman Fined Shs500,000 Over Missing Driver Records

A Kampala businesswoman has learned a costly lesson regarding employee documentation after being slapped with a Shs500,000 fine for failing to keep proper records of a driver in her employment.

Annet Phiona Nakafu, 36, appeared before City Hall Senior Principal Grade One Magistrate Nicholas Aisu, where she pleaded guilty to the offense. The magistrate ordered Nakafu to pay the fine or face a four-month term in Luzira Prison in default.

Court proceedings revealed that the incident stems from an event on April 13, 2025, in the Kalinabiri Zone of Ntinda, Kampala District. Nakafu had employed an individual to drive her blue Isuzu motor vehicle but neglected to maintain written records containing the driver’s name, address, and driving permit number, as mandated by the law.

The omission came to light after the vehicle was involved in an accident that caused damage to a nearby building. Following the collision, the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene. Police subsequently impounded the automobile, prompting Nakafu to visit the station to reclaim her property.

When authorities demanded the driver’s particulars, Nakafu was unable to provide them due to her failure to document his identity. To date, police have been unable to trace the fleeing driver, leading to charges against Nakafu under Sections 142 and 164(1) of the Traffic and Road Safety Act, Cap 347.

In delivering the sentence, Magistrate Aisu noted the accused’s guilty plea and her evident remorse, which spared the court a lengthy trial. The case serves as a stern reminder to vehicle owners across Uganda about their legal obligation to maintain thorough and accurate records of any individuals they engage as drivers.

Read the original story on the Daily Monitor.