Uganda government assumes vehicle inspection mandate

The Ministry of Works and Transport has assumed responsibility for mandatory vehicle inspections across the country, replacing a mandate previously held by the Swiss firm Société Générale de Surveillance, or SGS.

Kharim Kibuuka, the ministry’s acting vehicle inspector, announced the handover Tuesday in Kampala at the launch of the Road Safety Campaign, themed “Safe vehicles for a safer Uganda.”

Kibuuka said the inspections began Monday with government vehicles, a phase that will run through February. Commercial vehicles, including goods and passenger service vehicles, will follow in March, with private vehicles phased in afterward. Members of the public are free to bring their vehicles in earlier, Kibuuka added.

The mandatory inspections are part of a broader national road safety strategy intended to reduce accidents caused by mechanical failures and limit environmental pollution from poorly maintained vehicles.

The inspection program was initially slated to begin in April 2025, but was postponed multiple times to July and later over concerns regarding operational readiness and ongoing stakeholder consultations.

The ministry will focus on features including the external body, lights and visibility, internal security, side-slip, suspension, brakes, emissions, undercarriage and headlamp aim.

“Uganda has witnessed increased motorization over the years, but with it comes the challenge of roadworthy vehicles operating on public roads,” Kibuuka said. “Many accidents, air pollution cases and traffic congestion incidents are linked to vehicles in poor mechanical condition.”

Upon successful inspection, vehicles will be issued a certificate of fitness, which is required for operation on public roads.

Commercial vehicles must undergo inspection annually, while private sport utility vehicles and sedans require inspection every two years. Non-compliant vehicles found on the road are subject to impoundment and legal action, Kibuuka warned. If a vehicle fails the first inspection, the owner will receive a 30-day window for a free re-inspection.

The inspection services carry a fee. Motorcycles will be charged 5,500 shillings, saloon vehicles and SUVs 50,000 shillings, passenger service vehicles and taxis 49,000 shillings, and heavy vehicles and buses 60,000 shillings.

The government has taken over seven inspection facilities formerly managed by SGS. These include stations in Namave, Kawanda, Nabbingo and Namulanda near Kampala, as well as upcountry sites in Mbale, Mbarara and Gulu. The ministry plans to increase the number of centers to expand access to services.

Kibuuka stressed that the ministry would use automated systems to ensure consistency, accuracy and transparency, encouraging people to book appointments ahead of time to avoid queues.

Works and Transport Minister Gen. Katumba Wamala called for public compliance with the new regulations, saying the exercise is vital for reducing the high number of road fatalities.

“Let’s have our vehicles inspected to protect the lives of Ugandans on the roads,” Katumba said. “We should find a way of reducing and reversing the trend” of high accident numbers.

Katumba also addressed the suspension of the Electronic Penalty System, saying it would be reintroduced after being re-evaluated to fix flaws.

“We did realize that the EPS had some flaws, among which was that our speed limits on the roads are given by engineers, and not in consonance with the cameras,” he said, citing one example where a speed limit sign read 60 kph but the camera was ticketing at 45 kph. The ministry is working to resolve the mismatch in speed settings, review the charges and improve the payment system before the EPS returns.

Background

The government initially contracted SGS for mandatory vehicle inspection in March 2015. SGS began services in November 2016 at seven centers. In 2017, Parliament halted the program due to concerns over the high fees charged by SGS. At the time, the company charged 54,752 shillings for motorcycles and up to 147,500 shillings for trucks. The ministry terminated its contract with SGS in 2023.