Driving licenses have been replaced by driving permits in order to meet international standards under the Traffic and Road Safety Act 1998 (Amendment) Bill, 2019 that was passed by parliament.
On Wednesday, MPs passed the Bill with amendments especially those relating to powers of the minister for transport, registration and licensing, validity periods for driving licenses and penalties.
Apparently most East African countries including Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania issue driving licenses, the equivalent of driving permits in Uganda.
The bill also introduces issuance of 5-year driving licenses with a requirement for drivers of motor vehicles, trailers or engineering plant to secure driving licenses.
Penalties and fines have been enhanced in the law for offences such as over speeding, driving without licenses, speaking on phone while driving.
The law has empowered the Department of Transport Regulation under the ministry of works to replace and take on the roles of the Transport Licensing Board and National Road Safety Council. This is aimed at enhancing the ministry’s regulatory and oversight role in the transport sector.
Other key provisions in the new law include regulating motor vehicle dealers, taxis, Boda Boda, online and digital passenger service providers.
The new law provides that every owner and operator of a public service vehicle, including taxis and Boda Boda, must be a registered member of a SACCO within that industry so as to organize the sector.
Also, individuals who repair motor vehicles, manufacture, deal in new, and second hand or reconditioned motor vehicles must be licensed by the Chief Licensing Officer.
The bill among others will strengthen road transport regulation and road safety management in Uganda, address existing challenges such as new and emerging trends, increased number of road users including motorcycles, increased road accidents and the need to conform to the regional and international agreements that Uganda is a signatory to.
