Ministry Of Works To Introduce E-Monitoring System for Bus Drivers

The Works and Transport Ministry has unveiled plans to introduce an electronic monitoring system for bus drivers and make pre-loading inspections mandatory for all public service buses, in a fresh attempt to tackle road crashes blamed on driver fatigue, poor compliance and weak enforcement.

The proposals signal a shift in the government’s road safety strategy from relying mainly on roadside enforcement to preventing non-compliant buses from leaving terminals in the first place. 

 

The new measures come after a series of fatal crashes in July renewed concerns over the safety of the passenger transport sector. At least 15 people died in a bus crash in Omoro District, while 24 pupils of King David Junior School were killed when their school bus overturned in Kapchorwa. 

In another incident, a passenger died after a bus collided with a train in Mukono District. Speaking after leading a multi-agency impromptu compliance operation at Kisenyi Bus Terminal on Thursday, the Commissioner for Transport Regulation and Safety, Winston Katushabe, said investigations into the recent crashes revealed widespread violations, including unlicensed buses, unqualified drivers, mechanical defects and weak enforcement at departure points.

“We want to solve the problem from the core, and everything starts with the bus terminals,” Katushabe said. “We need to ensure that before the bus is loaded with passengers, it has all the statutory requirements. The driver must have a valid badge, the vehicle must be roadworthy, and all licences must be in place.”

The ministry now wants every bus to undergo inspection before passengers board, with terminal managers and police jointly verifying the driver’s credentials, the vehicle’s roadworthiness and the operator’s compliance before authorising departure.



During Thursday’s inspection, officials intercepted more than three buses belonging to Baby Coach, Ibabu and Abapakasi that had already boarded passengers despite failing to meet statutory requirements. One driver fled after inspectors discovered he had no driving licence, while two other buses lacked valid route charts and Public Service Vehicle licences.

Katushabe ordered passengers to disembark and board compliant buses before continuing with their journeys. Despite the disturbances, passengers welcomed the proposal despite the delays caused by Thursday’s inspections.