Section
transportation
Recent transportation coverage and related updates from across Uganda Online.
transportation 21 July 2026
In response to a spate of deadly road accidents, Uganda's Ministry of Works and Transport is advocating for an electronic clocking-in system for public service vehicle (PSV) drivers. This initiative aims to monitor driver fatigue, enforce working hours, and improve overall accountability within the transport sector. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4509/govt-moots-electronic-monitoring-system-psv-drivers
news 19 July 2026
Following the deaths of 21 people in a devastating school bus crash in Kapchorwa, road safety experts and commercial drivers are intensifying calls for Uganda to implement an automated "smart enforcement" system. This technology-driven approach is seen as crucial to preventing future road fatalities. Source: https://observer.ug/news/after-kapchorwa-activists-call-for-smart-enforcement
news 17 July 2026
The Road Safety Advocacy Coalition Uganda (ROSACU) is pushing for mandatory annual certification and ongoing professional training for commercial drivers to combat a rising tide of road crash deaths. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/357314/road-safety-coalition-wants-annual-driver-certification-as-death-toll-climbs
transportation 16 July 2026
Jinja City authorities have ordered taxi operators at the historical Kiyembe Stage to relocate to the main taxi park within 21 days. This directive has sparked protests and concerns among drivers over potential congestion and loss of income. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/356856/jinja-taxi-operators-given-21-day-ultimatum-to-leave-kiyembe-stage
Business 15 July 2026
Spiro Uganda has officially named popular Ugandan musician Fik Fameica as its new brand ambassador. The move aims to leverage the artist's influence to promote electric mobility and sustainable transport solutions across the nation. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/356660/spiro-uganda-unveils-fik-fameica-as-brand-ambassador
news 13 July 2026
Uganda has formalized a contract with Japan's Zenitaka Corporation for the construction of a new Karuma Bridge, with project commencement slated for October 2026. The initiative aims to significantly improve transport infrastructure and regional connectivity. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/355922/construction-of-new-karuma-bridge-to-start-in-october-2026
Business 12 July 2026
Months-long delays in issuing Uganda's new digital number plates are causing significant economic disruption, grounding thousands of vehicles and motorcycles and leading to substantial financial losses for businesses and the government. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/355727/digital-number-plate-delays-lock-up-billions-as-businesses-motorists-count-losses
news 12 July 2026
Over the past five years, the notorious Kasunganyanja black spot on the Fort Portal–Kasese Highway has claimed at least 13 lives due to its perilous design, prompting urgent calls from local leaders and residents for a permanent government solution. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/355711/leaders-demand-permanent-fix-as-kasunganyanja-black-spot-continues-to-claim-lives
news 10 July 2026
Following a tragic collision between a train and a school bus in Mukono that resulted in a fatality, the Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) is implementing enhanced safety measures at railway crossings, including automated barrier systems. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/355416/urc-to-install-automated-railway-barriers-after-mukono-crash
news 8 July 2026
A horrific head-on collision between an Opit Travellers bus and a trailer on the Kampala-Gulu highway in Omoro district has resulted in 14 fatalities and 28 injuries. The accident occurred Tuesday night, with police preliminarily attributing the cause to excessive speeding by the bus driver. Source: https://observer.ug/news/police-confirm-14-dead-28-injured-in-kampala-gulu-highway-bus-crash
accidents 8 July 2026
A devastating head-on collision between an Opit Travellers bus and a trailer on the Kampala-Gulu highway has resulted in 14 fatalities and left 28 others injured. The accident occurred late Tuesday night in Omoro district. Source: https://observer.ug/news/police-confirm-14-dead-28-injured-in-kampala-gulu-highway-bus-crash
Politics 30 June 2026
President Yoweri Museveni has reportedly dismissed at least four senior officials within the Ministry of Works and Transport. This move is seen as part of an intensified effort to improve accountability and address persistent issues with the nation's road infrastructure. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/352473/museveni-sacks-top-works-ministry-officials
economy 23 June 2026
Plans for a massive international airport in Mbarara, Uganda, touted as a global transit hub, are met with skepticism due to a lack of feasibility studies and economic viability concerns amidst regional aviation competition. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/mbarara-airport-dream-runs-into-viability-headwinds-5505876
news 22 June 2026
Ugandan traffic police are championing the inclusion of more women in Kampala's boda boda industry, citing their disciplined driving as a key factor in reducing road accidents. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/why-traffic-police-want-more-women-in-kampala-s-boda-boda-industry-5504994
transportation 20 June 2026
Uganda's Traffic Police plans to utilize digital platforms and apps to deliver road safety messages directly to boda boda riders and passengers, aiming to reduce the high number of motorcycle-related accidents. This move comes as traditional awareness methods have proven insufficient in curbing safety violations. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/police-to-target-boda-bodas-via-apps-as-crashes-surge-5503514
transportation 20 June 2026
The Kampala Twezimbe Women Boda Boda Riders Association has collaborated with police and private sector entities to deliver crucial training on road safety and professional conduct for female motorcycle taxi operators. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/350079/women-boda-boda-riders-trained-on-road-safety-and-professionalism
Business 19 June 2026
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a significant loan of €155.99 million (approximately Shs650 billion) to upgrade Arua Airport, positioning it as a key international hub and Uganda's second major airport after Entebbe. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/afdb-approves-shs650b-loan-to-upgrade-arua-airport-into-uganda-s-second-international-hub-5502694
transportation 19 June 2026
The African Development Bank (AfDB) Group has approved Shs674.1 billion in financing to transform Arua Airport into an international aviation hub. This development is poised to enhance trade, tourism, and investment in Uganda's West Nile region. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/349886/afdb-approves-shs674-billion-to-upgrade-arua-airport-into-international-hub
news 18 June 2026
A speeding fuel tanker collided with a parked commuter taxi on the Masaka-Kyotera Highway, resulting in five fatalities and nine injuries. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety in Uganda. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/five-killed-nine-injured-as-fuel-trailer-rams-taxi-on-masaka-kyotera-highway-5501624
news 17 June 2026
A tragic road accident on the Masaka–Mutukula Highway in Kyotera District has resulted in the deaths of six people after a Tanzanian fuel tanker collided with a passenger taxi. The incident occurred on Wednesday morning. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/349365/six-killed-as-fuel-tanker-crushes-taxi-on-masaka-mutukula-highway
transportation 16 June 2026
Uganda is set to establish its first national motorcycle helmet testing laboratory, operated by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), to enhance safety and combat counterfeit products. The facility aims to ensure helmets meet international safety standards and reduce road crash fatalities. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/348861/uganda-to-establish-first-national-motorcycle-helmet-testing-laboratory
Health 10 June 2026
The article questions Uganda's road safety strategy, suggesting a shift from a focus on traffic enforcement to ensuring essential medical equipment and personnel are readily available to save lives. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/commentary/rifles-vs-stethoscopes-rethinking-priority-on-uganda-s-roads-5491166
transportation 7 June 2026
A protest has erupted among Kalangala taxi operators who have parked their vehicles to demonstrate against new operating guidelines for the Kalangala-Masaka route. The new rules, decided in Masaka, significantly restrict daily operations and operating hours for taxis originating from the island. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/kalangala-taxi-operators-park-vehicles-over-new-masaka-route-rules-5487888
Business 22 May 2026
Six East African nations are undertaking a massive, synchronized infrastructure development worth an estimated $20 billion. This ambitious push includes roads, railways, and airports, aimed at fostering regional trade and economic growth. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/east-africa-s-20b-infrastructure-push-ties-six-economies-together-5470154
news 18 May 2026
A tragic road accident along the Kampala-Gulu highway in Nakasongola district has resulted in the deaths of two individuals and serious injuries to a third. The collision occurred in Namasa village when a moving vehicle struck a parked truck. Source: https://observer.ug/news/two-killed-one-injured-in-kampala-gulu-highway-crash
news 18 May 2026
Boda boda riders in Uganda are lobbying for the return of the Express Penalty System (EPS), citing a significant increase in road accidents and fatalities since its suspension. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/boda-boda-riders-lead-calls-to-reinstate-eps-as-road-crashes-surge-5464500
transportation 14 May 2026
The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has indefinitely suspended on-street parking along key sections of Kampala Road and Jinja Road. This move aims to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance road safety within the city's central business district. Source: https://www.howwe.ug/news/national/42978/kcca-suspends-street-parking-along-parts-of-kampala-road-and-jinja-road
transportation 11 May 2026
Ugandan authorities have released leaders of the long-distance truck drivers' union, leading to the lifting of a blockade at Uganda-Kenya border entry points. The protest followed the arrest of the union's chairperson and was related to issues faced by drivers in South Sudan. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/truck-drivers-leaders-released-blockade-on-uganda-kenya-border-entry-points-lifted--5455512
news 10 May 2026
Female boda boda operators in Kampala are grappling with hazardous working environments, societal disapproval, and safety concerns, particularly during nighttime operations. The Twezimbe Women Boda Boda Association highlighted these issues during a recent Mother's Day event. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/women-in-boda-business-cite-harsh-working-conditions-stigma-5454446
transportation 10 May 2026
The Uganda Railways Commission is spearheading a modernization effort for the nation's railway network to decrease dependence on road transport, aiming to cut costs and boost trade. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/urc-plans-to-modernise-railways-to-reduce-reliance-on-road-transport--5453746
transportation 8 May 2026
Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) is refurbishing tanktainers to re-establish fuel transportation, aiming to boost capacity and strengthen multimodal freight operations across Lake Victoria. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uganda-railways-begins-rehabilitation-of-tanktainers-ahead-of-fuel-transport-revival-5451390