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Vehicles that emit excessive fumes pose a danger to public health and the environment. Through this inspection, we are taking deliberate steps to deal with that problem
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Kampala
The Ministry of Works and Transport, in partnership with the Uganda Police Force, has rolled out a mandatory motor vehicle inspection programme aimed at improving road safety, protecting the environment, and safeguarding public health. The inspection exercise will focus on assessing the roadworthiness of vehicles, with key checks covering the braking system, suspension, lighting system—including headlamp aim and beam intensity—exhaust emissions, and the general mechanical condition of vehicles.
Works and Transport Minister Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala said the programme is intended to reduce road crashes caused by mechanically defective vehicles.
“A significant number of road crashes are linked to mechanical failure. This inspection programme is meant to ensure that vehicles on our roads meet the required safety standards,” Katumba Wamala said. 
He added that the initiative also addresses environmental and health concerns arising from poorly maintained vehicles. “Vehicles that emit excessive fumes pose a danger to public health and the environment. Through this inspection, we are taking deliberate steps to deal with that problem,” the minister noted.
According to the ministry, the exercise has commenced for government vehicles, public service vehicles (PSVs) operating on fixed routes with route charts, private omnibuses (PMOs), tourist vehicles, as well as vehicles referred by the Uganda Police Force for being in dangerous mechanical condition.
The minister said other vehicle categories, including private vehicles, taxis, trucks and motorcycles, will be brought on board at a later date, to be communicated by the ministry.
To enhance compliance, the government has significantly reduced inspection fees.
“This is not a revenue-generating exercise. We have reduced the fees to make the inspection affordable for all vehicle owners,” Katumba Wamala said.
Designated inspection centres have been set up in Namanve along Jinja Road, Kawanda on Bombo Road, Nabbingo on Masaka Road, Namulanda on Entebbe Road, Mbale (Bugema), Gulu (Layibi) and Mbarara (Kora Norya).
Katumba Wamala urged motorists to prepare their vehicles and comply with the inspection requirements. “Ensuring that vehicles are mechanically sound is a shared responsibility. It protects drivers, passengers and other road users,” he said.
The ministry said the inspection programme will be implemented in phases as part of wider efforts to improve road safety across the country.
Torch Media Africa
