Uganda will launch mandatory vehicle inspections in Uganda in two weeks. This development follows a one-month suspension of the Automated Express Penalty Scheme (Auto EPS). At the same time, the government has introduced significantly reduced inspection fees to boost road safety and public compliance.
Motorists must now pay standard fees for inspections. For instance, saloon cars and taxis will pay Shs40,000. Motorcycle riders, who previously paid Shs22,000, will now pay Shs5,500. Heavy goods vehicles and buses will be charged Shs60,000, down from Shs140,000. Small vehicles, which dominate Uganda’s roads, will pay between Shs40,000 and Shs45,000. This amount will cover a two-year inspection cycle.
The Ministry of Works and Transport has taken over seven inspection centres. These centres were previously managed by SGS Uganda Limited, a private Swiss company. In 2016, SGS opened its first centre in Kawanda, north of Kampala. After clearing all financial obligations, the government assumed direct management of all inspection operations.
Each vehicle that passes inspection will earn a Certificate of Fitness. This certificate serves as legal proof that a vehicle meets the minimum safety standards required for public road use. If a vehicle fails the inspection, the owner has 30 days to fix the issues and return. After the grace period, a new inspection fee will apply.
The ministry plans to inspect non-commercial vehicles every two years. In contrast, commercial vehicles must undergo annual checks. This frequency ensures that high-use vehicles remain roadworthy and safe.
The Uganda Annual Crime and Traffic Safety Report shows that mechanical failures account for a significant number of crashes. Common faults include worn tyres, broken lights, and faulty brakes. Therefore, the updated inspection system is critical in identifying such dangers before they lead to accidents.
Inspectors will examine key safety systems during each visit. These include brakes, steering, suspension, tyres, mirrors, lighting, and exhaust emissions. They will also verify the legibility of registration plates and the functionality of visibility tools. The checks follow guidelines from the Traffic and Road Safety Act.
Driving a vehicle in a Dangerous Mechanical Condition (DMC) is a serious offence under Ugandan law. Offenders risk paying fines between Shs300,000 and Shs1.2 million. Alternatively, they may face jail time ranging from six months to two years. The government believes that strict enforcement of inspections will reduce these violations.
Uganda records over 5,000 road deaths and at least 15,000 injuries each year. Alarmingly, more than 60 percent of those affected are under 35 years old. Allan Ssempebwa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Works and Transport, emphasized that most of these incidents are preventable. According to him, driver behaviour and speeding account for nearly 45 percent of all road crashes.
He urged motorists to follow road signs and observe speed limits. “Even if you don’t see a traffic officer, the road gives you instructions. Pay attention,” he said.
Johnson Kibirige, Secretary General of the National Garage Owners Association, echoed the need for regular maintenance. “Prevention is better than cure,” he noted. “Frequent inspections keep vehicles reliable, safe, and cheaper to operate in the long run.”
By enforcing mandatory vehicle inspections in Uganda, the government hopes to reduce road crashes and improve safety. Lower fees, easier access to inspection services, and state-managed centres are expected to encourage wider participation. Additionally, the reform marks a key step toward transparent, affordable, and effective road regulation.
With responsible driving and proper vehicle care, Uganda can move toward a future with safer roads and fewer casualties.
