Overview:
Uganda is reinstating mandatory vehicle inspections to ensure roadworthiness and reduce fatal traffic accidents.
KAMPALA, UGANDA — The government is preparing to reinstate a mandatory periodic vehicle inspection program, and officials are already training transport officers from various ministries and agencies on the basic requirements.
The program will be rolled out in phases, starting with government-owned vehicles, followed by passenger, goods, and, eventually, private vehicles.
Winstone Katushabe, commissioner for transport regulations and safety, said the first phase has involved sensitizing stakeholders on the importance of the program and its requirements.
Speaking at a launch event at a ministry inspection center in Namanve, Wakiso district, Katushabe, who is also the government’s chief licensing officer, said the inspections are a crucial step toward reducing road accidents. He noted that a significant number of un-roadworthy vehicles on the streets contribute to a high number of deaths and injuries.
“Losing over 4,000 lives a year is worrying, and several interventions are being conducted to reverse the trend, with mandatory vehicle inspection being one of the solutions,” Katushabe said.
He added that the inspection fees have been significantly reduced to encourage compliance and help curb accidents caused by poorly maintained vehicles.
According to Eng. Kharim Kibuuka, the ministry’s principal inspector of motor vehicles, the inspection will cover three areas: automated checks, visual assessments and advisory notes. The automated inspection will focus on the front and rear wheels, as well as the suspension system, to ensure vehicle stability.
Fees for Inspection
The ministry has set the following fees for vehicle inspection:
Motorcycles: Sh5,500
Cars and Dual-purpose vehicles: Sh52,000
Passenger Vehicles:
8-20 seats: Sh49,500
21-60 seats: Sh55,000
Over 60 seats: Sh60,000
Goods Vehicles:
Up to 3.5 tonnes: Sh48,000
3.5-10 tonnes: Sh54,000
Over 19 tonnes: Sh60,000
Trailers:
Two axles: Sh30,000
Each additional axle: Sh10,000
Agricultural Tractors: Sh10,000
Engineering Plants with gross weight of 3.5 tonnes: Sh48,000