Rédaction Africa Links 24 with The Observer
Published on 2024-02-22 11:01:12
The Ministry of Works and Transport has announced that the traffic police will be cracking down on government officials and politicians who drive vehicles without valid driving licenses within the next three months. State Minister for Transport, Fred Byamukama, expressed concern that these individuals often try to use their positions to avoid consequences when caught breaking traffic laws or misusing government vehicles.
Byabaka emphasized that after the three-month grace period, anyone found driving without a license will face penalties in accordance with the Traffic and Road Safety Act and other relevant laws in Uganda. He emphasized that government officials and politicians, whether driving official or personal vehicles, are not exempt from the law when it comes to traffic violations.
Byabakama stated, “The law applies to everyone, including myself. If you are driving, you must have a valid driving license. Many people have been misusing government vehicles by driving themselves and using their titles to avoid accountability. We will work with the police to ensure compliance on the roads. Regardless of your status, if you are driving yourself, you have three months to obtain a license. Failure to do so will result in legal action.”
During an inspection of the Uganda Security Printing Company (USPC), which is responsible for issuing driving licenses, Byamukama highlighted the improvements in the licensing process. The efficiency has increased from 75 to almost 100 percent, reducing the time it takes to renew licenses and minimizing instances of bribery. The USPC managing director, Dr. George Mugerwa, credited the success to improved collaboration with government agencies and outlined plans to expand services to rural areas.
Byamukama shared that outreach initiatives have already facilitated the issuance of licenses to approximately 12,000 individuals without them having to visit the headquarters. Plans are underway to streamline services, including banking and revenue collection, at the licensing centers and extend these services to rural regions.
Overall, the government is committed to enforcing traffic regulations and ensuring that all drivers, regardless of their positions, comply with the law. The partnership between the Ministry of Works, traffic police, and the USPC aims to improve road safety and reduce instances of misuse of government vehicles. Failure to adhere to the licensing requirements within the specified timeframe will result in legal consequences for violators.
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