KAMPALA — The government has announced a nationwide inspection of passenger buses following a surge in road accidents linked to poor vehicle conditions.
Minister of State for Works and Transport (Transport), Fred Byamukama, directed that bus operators be granted a 60-day voluntary window, from 8th April to 8th June 2026, to present their vehicles for inspection. The exercise will initially target buses operating along the Northern and Eastern routes, which have recently recorded several serious accidents.
The inspections aim to ensure that all buses meet required safety standards and are mechanically sound, protecting passengers and other road users. Operators who fail to comply within the timeframe may face enforcement action.
The Ministry of Works and Transport has engaged bus operator leadership in a high-level meeting to strengthen compliance and road safety. Speaking during the meeting, Hon. Byamukama emphasized the need for coordination between authorities and operators:
“We are here to move at the same pace with you,” he said, highlighting that annual inspections for Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) and biennial inspections for private vehicles are mandated by law.
Bus owners must ensure their vehicles pass inspection before returning to the road. The exercise will later extend to trucks and trailers, which are also frequently involved in fatal crashes.
The broader goal of the initiative is to restore discipline in the transport sector and reduce avoidable accidents caused by negligence and poor vehicle maintenance.
