The Ministry of Works and Transport has formally reduced the cost of mandatory motor-vehicle inspections as part of a renewed push to ensure Ugandan motorists keep their vehicles roadworthy.
Under the new fee structure, private saloon cars and taxis will pay about Shs40,000, while motorcycles — long burdened by high inspection costs — will now pay only Shs5,500, down sharply from previous charges.
Heavy goods vehicles and buses will pay Shs60,000.
The Ministry has also taken over seven inspection centres previously run by a private contractor, bringing them under direct government management.
The centres are located in strategic regions, including Namanve, Nabbingo, Kawanda, Namulanda, Mbale, Mbarara, and Gulu, making inspections more accessible nationwide.
Officials say the move addresses a longstanding problem: many vehicles on Uganda’s roads are in poor mechanical condition, contributing significantly to accidents and fatalities.
“We significantly reduced these charges to make inspections accessible,” said Eng. Kharim Kibuuka, Principal Inspector of Motor Vehicles.
Under the new regime, non-commercial vehicles, including saloon cars, will undergo inspection once every two years, while commercial vehicles — such as passenger service vehicles (PSVs) and trucks — will be inspected annually.
Previously, high inspection fees deterred many vehicle owners, especially motorcyclists and boda-boda operators.
The steep reduction in cost may encourage more Ugandans to ensure their vehicles are safe, potentially removing “death-traps” from the roads.
Nationwide coverage: With seven fixed stations across the country, the initiative extends beyond urban centres, a critical step for national road safety.
From rhetoric to action: Roadworthiness inspections have long been proposed but seldom enforced. Now, under government control, the programme has a stronger chance of being sustained.
However, the success of the initiative depends on strict enforcement. Vehicles that fail inspection will be denied a road-use certificate until defects are fixed.
Given Uganda’s high rate of road accidents and fatalities, this programme could mark a turning point.
Experts note, though, that saving lives on the road isn’t just about passing inspections — it requires responsible driving, discipline, and respect for safety rules.