Government Halts Uganda Driving Standards Agency Amidst Probe

The Ministry of Works and Transport has officially suspended the operations of the Uganda Driving Standards Agency (UDSA). This decision comes as part of an ongoing investigation into the agency’s activities.

The suspension was announced following a meeting with representatives from the United Bus Drivers Association (UBDA). The UBDA had previously threatened a nationwide industrial strike, citing mounting financial and administrative pressures associated with driver badge renewals and annual refresher training.

In response to the drivers’ concerns, the Ministry has also committed to reviewing the existing refresher training framework. This review will include an assessment of the accreditation process for authorized training companies. Furthermore, a temporary measure has been put in place for drivers with expired badges, allowing for online renewal. Those whose badges have expired are directed to submit them, unless they have recently completed the required training.

Reagan Akankwasa, Chairperson of the Uganda Bus Drivers Association, welcomed the Ministry’s intervention. He highlighted that while UDSA’s initial operations were commendable, issues of alleged financial extortion and the issuance of certificates to untrained individuals had emerged, potentially contributing to road accidents and loss of life.

Akankwasa further urged the government to establish a dedicated training school for bus drivers, akin to those for security forces, to professionalize the sector and ensure adherence to higher safety standards.

The Uganda Driving Standards Agency, established in 2009 and licensed by the Ministry of Works and Transport, is responsible for training related to heavy goods vehicles, light goods vehicles, motorcycles, and driver consultancy, with a stated aim of enhancing road safety and delivering quality driver training.

For more details, see the original article from the Daily Monitor.