Majority of drivers on Ugandan roads lack permits, says UDLS

Summary:

• The Uganda Driver Licensing System (UDLS) revealed that over 60% of road users lack permits, leading to accidents. During a 14-day campaign, UDLS emphasized the importance of obtaining valid licenses for road safety. Mobile enrollment programs aim to make services accessible, receiving positive feedback from road users in remote regions.

---

The Uganda Driver Licensing System (UDLS) has disclosed that over 60% of individuals on the roads operate vehicles without proper permits, contributing significantly to the occurrence of accidents.

This revelation emerged during a 14-day campaign organized by UDLS to encourage motorists to acquire valid licenses, emphasizing road safety through educational initiatives and regulatory adherence.

Peterson Mandela, the mobile team supervisor for UDLS, highlighted on the third day of the mobile enrollment program at the Northern Division Headquarters in Kabale Municipality that this situation is a major factor in the rising number of accidents on Ugandan roads.

He stressed the importance of drivers obtaining licenses not only to drive legally but also to undergo essential training and evaluations. Mandela mentioned that this comprehensive process plays a crucial role in reducing road accidents in Uganda.

UDLS officials underscored the significance of the campaign, aligning it with the Ministry of Transport and Works’ directive to extend the Uganda Driver’s Licensing System through mobile outreach programs nationwide.

Mandela explained that the two-week campaign involves a mobile enrollment system, making driver’s license services more accessible by renewing expired licenses, issuing new licenses, and replacing lost permits.

He added that this approach aligns with the ministry’s strategy to increase the accessibility of licensing services across different regions, ensuring convenience for Ugandans. ASP Francis Tadara, the Regional Police Inspectorate of Vehicle for the Kigezi Sub-region, commended UDLS for bringing driver’s license services closer to the people in the region.

He emphasized that obtaining a driver’s license is not only a legal requirement but also a commitment to road safety. Tadara highlighted that the comprehensive training and evaluations involved in the licensing process contribute to responsible and informed driving, ultimately reducing the risk of accidents on Ugandan roads.

Some road users mentioned the challenges they faced in accessing driver’s license services due to the distance to existing facilities in Mbarara. They expressed gratitude for the government’s initiative, stating that the 14-day campaign makes it more feasible for many others to participate in the licensing process.

As the 14-day campaign progresses, organizers anticipate increased participation and awareness regarding the importance of obtaining a valid driver’s license, with an expectation of working with more than 1500 people.