Bus Drivers Warn of Strike Over Badge Renewal Fees

Commuters and long-distance travelers across Uganda may face significant transportation disruptions this coming Monday. The United Bus Drivers Association (UBDA) has announced a potential withdrawal of services, citing concerns over the financial burden and administrative processes involved in renewing professional driver badges and undertaking mandatory refresher training.

A notice issued by the UBDA, dated October 2026, indicates that bus drivers intend to park their vehicles starting Monday, October 12th. The association argues that current driver salaries are insufficient to cover the recurring annual expenses associated with these requirements.

While the UBDA acknowledges the critical importance of road safety and the government’s role in regulating public transport, they are calling for reforms. The association believes that refresher training needs to be made more affordable and practical, taking into account the daily realities faced by professional drivers operating the nation’s roads.

The planned action is described as a “collective form of peaceful industrial action” that will continue until the drivers’ concerns are meaningfully addressed and resolved. The UBDA has provided advance notice to allow bus owners, relevant government bodies, and passengers to prepare for the potential inconvenience.

This threatened strike could severely impact travel between towns and cities, as buses are a primary mode of transport for many Ugandans. The extent of the disruption and the response from authorities remain to be seen.

Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/377167/bus-drivers-threaten-monday-strike-over-badge-renewal-costs