Uganda Eyes Electronic System to Monitor PSV Drivers, Enhance Road Safety

In an effort to significantly reduce road fatalities and improve oversight within Uganda’s transport sector, the Ministry of Works and Transport has put forward a proposal for an electronic clocking-in system for public service vehicle (PSV) drivers. This new system aims to address critical issues such as driver fatigue, adherence to driving hours, and overall accountability on the roads.

The proposal was introduced during a recent meeting of the Committee on Physical Infrastructure, where ministry officials presented findings from recent road accidents. Investigations into these crashes, including a bus accident in Omoro that claimed 33 lives and another in Kapchorwa resulting in the deaths of 24 pupils, revealed a disturbing trend of non-compliance with transport regulations. Issues identified included the operation of unlicensed buses, unaccredited drivers, mechanical failures, and lax enforcement.

According to Winston Katushabe, Commissioner for Transport Regulation and Safety, the proposed electronic system would require drivers to record their journeys at designated points. This would allow authorities to effectively monitor driving durations and rest periods, crucial for preventing accidents caused by driver exhaustion. “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.

The ministry is also reviewing its National Road Safety Action Plan, with plans to implement stricter medical examinations for drivers and upgrade automated driver testing equipment. Furthermore, efforts are underway to enhance digital verification systems to more effectively identify unlicensed vehicles and unauthorized drivers.

Beyond driver monitoring, the Ministry of Works and Transport also addressed concerns regarding road construction projects. The Minister, Hon. Fred Byamukama, highlighted issues like corruption, poor contract management, and delays in land acquisition that have led to significant cost overruns on major projects, such as the Busega-Mpigi Expressway. To mitigate these problems, future road contracts will only be signed once at least 50 percent of the necessary land has been secured by the government.

These reforms are part of a broader strategy to ensure greater safety and efficiency on Ugandan roads, holding both drivers and system administrators more accountable.