The Ugandan government is considering the introduction of an automated driver monitoring system as part of efforts to improve road safety and reduce the country’s rising number of road accidents involving public service vehicles.
The proposal was presented by the Ministry of Works and Transport during a meeting with Parliament’s Committee on Physical Infrastructure, where officials reviewed the concerning number of fatal crashes recorded in July. The meeting also examined the causes of road accidents, the state of road infrastructure, enforcement of transport regulations, and measures aimed at making Uganda’s roads safer.
Under the proposed system, public service vehicle drivers would be monitored using technology that tracks their journeys, driving hours, rest periods, and speeding. Authorities believe the system will help identify risky driving behaviour and ensure drivers comply with road safety regulations.
Commissioner for Transport Regulation and Safety, Winston Katushabe, said drivers would also be required to clock in at designated points along their routes. The measure is intended to reduce fatigue—a major cause of road accidents—while discouraging reckless driving and ensuring drivers stick to approved routes.
Road crashes continue to claim lives and leave many others injured every year, with speeding, driver fatigue, and poor compliance with traffic laws among the leading causes. By using technology to monitor drivers in real time, the government hopes to strengthen enforcement and improve accountability within the public transport sector.
Although the proposal is still under consideration, it signals the government’s intention to embrace digital solutions to address one of the country’s most pressing road safety challenges. If approved and effectively implemented, the automated monitoring system could play a key role in reducing accidents, promoting responsible driving, and making Uganda’s roads safer for all road users.
