Gov’t to start mandatory vehicle inspection in July

The government has announced that mandatory vehicle inspection will officially begin in July, with passenger service vehicles and trucks being the first to undergo checks.

Works and Transport Minister Gen. Katumba Wamala confirmed the development on Friday, stating that preparations are underway to ensure a smooth rollout. “By July, we will start the mandatory vehicle inspection. Every vehicle will be inspected before it goes on the road, and don’t be surprised if many of the old taxis you see today don’t return,” he said.

The initiative, which has been delayed for years, was initially set to be handled by a private company, SGS Uganda Ltd. However, Parliament halted the arrangement, leading Cabinet to direct the government to take over the process. The Ministry of Works and Transport assumed control of the vehicle inspection services earlier this year, with government-run inspection centers now operational in Nabbingo, Namanve, Kawanda, and Namulanda.

To facilitate the transition, the ministry is currently training police officers and technical staff to oversee the inspection process. A public sensitization campaign will also be conducted before the full rollout. “Before we begin, we will educate the public, train personnel, and test the equipment to ensure efficiency,” Gen. Katumba emphasized.

The inspection is expected to significantly impact Uganda’s road transport sector by ensuring that only roadworthy vehicles operate. Vehicles deemed unfit will not receive the necessary licenses, a move aimed at reducing accidents caused by mechanical failures.

Beyond vehicle inspection, Gen. Katumba also addressed Uganda’s road safety crisis following his participation in the Fourth Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety in Morocco. The conference, attended by ministers from over 100 countries, focused on strategies to reduce road crashes and deaths by 50% by 2030 under the theme “Commit to Life.”

“We are not doing well as a country. Uganda ranks 10th in Africa in road fatalities, and this is impacting the economy. It is high time we committed to changing the situation,” Gen. Katumba stated. He urged all road users—drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists—to prioritize safety.

As part of broader efforts to improve road safety, the government plans to engage multinational companies and private sector stakeholders in developing road safety initiatives.