Govt Moves to Enforce Tougher Safety Rules on Lakes

What the report says

Uganda’s Ministry of Works and Transport has opened consultations on new regulations under the Inland Water Transport Act, 2021, in response to continued boat accidents on Lake Victoria and other inland waters. According to Nile Post, the draft measures are intended to tighten oversight of boat operations and improve passenger safety on lakes and other waterways used for transport, fishing and trade.

The proposed rules would require stronger boat registration and licensing, set clearer obligations for operators, and introduce mandatory safety equipment such as life jackets. The ministry is also considering penalties for operating unregistered or unlicensed vessels, including a fine of up to Shs4 million, a prison term of up to five years, or both. Dr Charles Luzigye, assistant commissioner for Maritime Monitoring, said the aim is to close enforcement gaps that have made prosecutions difficult when safety rules are broken.

The consultations are being held with fisherfolk, boat operators, landing-site leaders and local council leaders before a national validation meeting. The effort comes after a series of deadly incidents on Uganda’s waterways, including the 2023 Lake Victoria disaster near Nsazi Island and other recent capsizings in Wakiso and Mayuge districts. Beyond the specific cases reported by Nile Post, inland water transport in Uganda has long faced risks from overloading, poor maintenance, weather changes and weak compliance with safety standards.