The Ugandan government is preparing a major overhaul of the country’s road safety and traffic enforcement framework, with proposed reforms that could significantly increase accountability for vehicle owners, public transport operators, and habitual traffic offenders.
The recommendations emerged from a national consultative workshop on the Express Penalty Scheme (EPS) and speed management and are now awaiting further analysis before being forwarded to Cabinet.
Speaking after the consultations, Winstone Katushabe, the Commissioner for Transport Regulation and Safety and Chief Licensing Officer of Motor Vehicles at the Ministry of Works and Transport, said the proposals were largely informed by views collected from stakeholders and members of the public. He emphasized that the government was committed to considering public concerns in shaping future road safety policies.
One of the most significant proposals seeks to make vehicle owners responsible for offences committed using their vehicles. Authorities argue that owners should know who is operating their vehicles at all times and be able to provide such information when traffic violations are being investigated. The move is expected to tighten accountability and reduce reckless use of privately owned and commercial vehicles.
Government is also considering introducing a demerit points system for motorists. Under the proposed arrangement, drivers would not only pay fines for traffic offences but would also accumulate penalty points for repeated violations. Drivers who consistently break traffic rules could face severe consequences, including suspension or loss of their driving privileges.
Public transport operators are also likely to face stricter monitoring if the reforms are approved. Officials are proposing biometric systems capable of tracking drivers’ working hours and rest periods, a measure intended to combat driver fatigue, which remains one of the leading causes of road crashes across the country.
Another area attracting government attention is the growing problem of noise pollution from vehicles. Authorities want tighter regulation of vehicle horns and other modifications that exceed approved noise levels. Officials argue that motorists should adhere to manufacturers’ specifications rather than installing excessively loud horns that disturb the public and contribute to environmental pollution.
The Ministry of Works and Transport is also reviewing the operation of traffic lights during late-night hours. The proposal follows concerns raised by motorists who have reported incidents of robbery and vandalism while waiting at traffic lights in isolated locations. Officials believe adjustments could improve both traffic flow and public safety during nighttime travel.
Katushabe stressed that road safety campaigns alone cannot solve the country’s growing traffic challenges.
He argued that meaningful improvements will only be achieved through a combination of public sensitization and strict enforcement. If approved by Cabinet and Parliament, the proposed reforms could mark one of the most comprehensive changes to Uganda’s traffic management system in recent years, affecting millions of road users nationwide.
