Uganda Proposes Stricter Inland Water Transport Regulations

The Ministry of Works and Transport in Uganda is initiating consultations with stakeholders regarding a new set of proposed regulations for inland water transport. These rules are set to establish comprehensive standards for the construction, registration, licensing, and operational procedures of all vessels navigating Uganda’s lakes and rivers.

The proposed regulations are a crucial step towards operationalizing the Inland Water Transport Act, 2021, which was enacted by President Museveni in August 2021. The current consultations aim to gather feedback from various maritime sector players to ensure the regulations are practical and effective.

Discussions have already taken place in key locations such as Kalangala District on Lake Victoria and Panyimur on Lake Albert. The Ministry plans to expand these engagement sessions to other major water bodies, including Lake Kyoga and the River Nile, to ensure broad input.

Key areas of focus for the proposed rules include enhanced safety measures during boat construction, standardized registration and licensing processes, and stricter guidelines for boat operations. The objective is to significantly improve safety and efficiency within the inland water transport sector, which is vital for many communities and for trade.

The government emphasizes the importance of collaboration with all stakeholders, including boat owners, operators, fishermen, and local authorities, to develop a robust regulatory framework that benefits everyone involved in inland water transportation.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/inside-proposed-inland-water-transport-rules-5597686