The Ministry of Works and Transport in Uganda has put forward a proposal to introduce an electronic clocking-in system for Public Service Vehicle (PSV) drivers.
The aim is to better monitor driving hours, manage fatigue, and enforce mandatory rest periods in a bid to tackle the country’s rising number of road accidents.
Ministry officials presented the plan on Monday, July 20, 2026, before the Parliamentary Committee on Physical Infrastructure, chaired by Hon. Mwine Mpaka.
They also provided updates on investigations into recent fatal crashes and broader safety and infrastructure reforms.
Winston Katushabe, Commissioner for Transport Regulation and Safety, noted that probes into several deadly incidents in July revealed multiple issues, including unlicensed buses, unqualified drivers, mechanical problems, and poor enforcement.
Notable July accidents included a bus crash in Omoro District that killed 33 people, a Kapchorwa incident that claimed the lives of 24 pupils from King David Junior School, and a bus-train collision in Mukono that resulted in one fatality.
Investigations pointed to causes such as speeding, reckless driving, poor judgment, unlicensed operations, and narrow road sections.
To tackle driver fatigue, the proposed electronic system would track PSV operators in real time at designated checkpoints.
“Other than the medical tests, we want to look at fatigue as one of the challenges. So it will tell us the driver, how many hours you have rested within 24 hours,” Katushabe explained to the lawmakers.
The ministry is also updating its five-year National Road Safety Action Plan.
Additional measures include standardizing school buses, upgrading automated driver testing facilities, introducing stricter medical screenings (such as vision and colour-blindness tests), and implementing digital systems to identify unlicensed vehicles and drivers.
During the meeting, MPs raised concerns.
Hon. Nathan Byanyima (Bukanga North) called on bus owners to take greater responsibility and urged the ministry to maintain regular engagement with transport stakeholders.
Hon. Samuel Opio Acuti (Kole North) questioned how unlicensed long-distance buses pass through multiple checkpoints undetected.
On the infrastructure side, Minister of State for Works Hon. Fred Byamukama highlighted efforts to curb corruption and delays in road projects.
He cited the Busega–Mpigi Expressway, where costs escalated dramatically from Shs547 billion to over Shs1.3 trillion (and potentially Shs2 trillion) due to design changes and land acquisition issues after contracts were signed.
To avoid similar problems, the government will now require that at least 50% of the necessary land be acquired before any road construction contract is signed.
