Mega Fm & Agency
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.
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.
The ministry now wants every bus to undergo inspection before passenger’s 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.
