The construction of a Shs55 billion one-stop centre designed to streamline the country’s transport services remains at a standstill due to funding shortages.
The Uganda Driver Licensing System (UDLS), under the Ministry of Works and Transport, has revealed that the government has yet to release the remaining 24.8 billion shillings needed for the completion of the project.
The one-stop centre, a key initiative by the Ministry of Works and Transport, aims to simplify the country’s transport services by centralising various functions under one roof.
Once completed, the facility will oversee motor vehicle registration, drivers' and commercial vehicle licensing, and other regulatory services for road transport.
The Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala, visited the Uganda Driver Licensing System to assess the progress of the facility.
During his visit, he acknowledged the project’s delay, attributing it to the ongoing funding shortfall.
Despite the setbacks, Gen Katumba remains determined to push for the release of the outstanding funds. He believes the completion of the facility will be a major step toward enhancing efficiency and reducing bureaucratic hurdles in the transport sector.
"We are going to push for the necessary funding to ensure that this important project is completed," Gen. Katumba said.
“The project will help streamline service delivery by reducing personal contact and making processes more efficient for Ugandans.”
In response to scepticism surrounding government initiatives, Gen Katumba pointed to the successful transition to face technology in Uganda’s licensing process.
"Ugandans were initially in doubt when we moved from traditional methods to digital systems, but we’ve proved them wrong," he said, defending the government’s progress against criticisms of sluggishness and corruption.
The one-stop center is expected to revolutionise Uganda's transport sector, making services quicker and more efficient.
Gen. Katumba outlined plans to introduce automated driver testing, a move that will further modernise the sector.
Winstone, a representative from UDLS, highlighted the positive impact of the current system.
“It takes only 15 minutes, and you’re out,” he said, underscoring the efficiency of the existing digital services.
However, the facility’s completion hinges on the timely release of the remaining Shs24.8 billion.
As Gen. Katumba works to secure the funding, the country waits for the full realisation of this ambitious project, which promises to bring much-needed improvements to Uganda's transport infrastructure.
