Uganda has announced a nationwide crackdown on unsafe vehicles, with authorities setting a 60-day deadline for inspection and certification in a move aimed at reducing road crashes caused by mechanical faults.
The State Minister for Transport, Fred Byamukama, said only mechanically sound vehicles will be allowed to operate on roads under the new directive.
Bus operators have been given a window from April 8 to June 8, 2026, to present their vehicles for inspection and obtain roadworthiness certification.
“This is a decisive step to cut crashes caused by unsafe vehicles,” Byamukama said.
According to the minister, the directive is part of a broader government effort to enforce stricter safety standards across the transport sector and protect both passengers and other road users.
The inspection process will involve thorough checks on key vehicle components, including braking systems, tyres, steering mechanisms, and overall structural integrity.
Authorities say the exercise is intended to identify and remove unfit vehicles from the roads before they can pose a danger.
Operators who fail to comply with the directive risk penalties, including fines, suspension of operating licenses, or having their vehicles impounded.
The move comes amid ongoing concerns about road safety in Uganda, where mechanical failure has been cited as one of the contributing factors in a number of road accidents.
Transport sector stakeholders have previously called for more consistent enforcement of vehicle inspection regulations, arguing that routine checks are critical in preventing avoidable crashes.
Government officials say the latest directive signals a shift toward stricter enforcement, with the expectation that all commercial transport operators will adhere to the new requirements within the stipulated timeline.