Byamukama Set to Announce New Bus, PSV Safety Measures

What the report says

The Works and Transport Ministry is meeting bus operators and other transport stakeholders as Uganda steps up regulation of passenger transport after a recent series of deadly road crashes. According to Nile Post, Works and Transport Minister Fred Byamukama is expected to unveil new directives covering buses, public-service vehicles and other passenger transport operators, with the meeting taking place at the ministry headquarters.

The reported push comes amid concern over crashes linked by authorities to driver fatigue, speeding, dangerous overtaking, mechanical problems and weak enforcement. The ministry has already introduced tighter controls on long-distance driving, including a rule announced last week requiring different drivers for outbound and return trips on buses travelling more than 300 kilometres. For shorter routes, a driver may make one round trip before stopping work for the day, with Traffic Police told to enforce the directive.

Nile Post also reported that the government is considering broader monitoring tools, including an electronic clock-in system to track driving hours, rest periods and speeding. In recent months, officials have reviewed cases involving unlicensed buses, unaccredited drivers and defective vehicles, while also increasing inspections and other compliance checks.

The renewed regulatory drive follows several fatal crashes involving buses, school transport and other passenger vehicles in recent weeks. It reflects a wider effort by the ministry and police to improve road safety, limit risky driving practices and ensure vehicles on the roads meet basic safety standards.