The Ministry of Works and Transport in Uganda has issued a directive requiring all senior government officials and politicians who drive themselves to obtain driving licences within a period of three months. Following this deadline, individuals found operating vehicles without a valid licence will face enforcement actions as per the Traffic and Road Safety Act and other relevant laws of Uganda.
The directive comes in response to persistent complaints regarding the disregard for traffic regulations by drivers categorized as ‘working class’ by State Minister for Transport, Fred Byamukama. Byamukama highlighted instances where these drivers, often government officials, use their titles to intimidate traffic police officers when confronted with traffic violations, while also misusing government vehicles.
Minister Byamukama emphasized that government officials should either delegate driving duties to their designated drivers or undergo the process of acquiring driving licences, regardless of whether they are operating official vehicles or personal ones.
The announcement was made during Minister Byamukama’s inspection visit to the facilities at the Uganda Security Printing Company (USPC), responsible for the processing of driving licences. Three years ago, the company was entrusted with the task of producing and issuing licences on behalf of the ministry, with a mandate to maintain or enhance the standards set by its predecessor, Face Technologies Ltd.
Minister Byamukama dismissed any excuses regarding difficulties in obtaining licences, citing a significant improvement in process efficiency. He noted that the USPC has achieved an efficiency rate of almost 100 percent, a substantial increase from 75 percent. Minister Byamukama shared his personal experience of renewing his licence in less than 25 minutes, attributing the streamlined process to the eradication of bribery incidents within the system.
Dr. George Mugerwa, Managing Director of USPC, credited the enhanced efficiency to seamless collaboration between the company and other government agencies, particularly the Ministry of Works. Mugerwa highlighted ongoing efforts to extend licensing services beyond urban centers, making it more accessible, especially in rural areas.
Minister Byamukama revealed that outreach initiatives have facilitated approximately 12,000 individuals in obtaining licences without the need to visit the headquarters. Plans are underway to implement a comprehensive system ensuring all services, including banking and revenue services, are accessible within the premises, with future plans to replicate these services in rural regions.
