The Ministry of Works and Transport has suspended the Uganda Driving Standards Agency’s operations pending investigations and promised reforms to driver badge renewals and refresher training after talks with bus drivers.
The Ministry of Works and Transport has suspended the operations of the Uganda Driving Standards Agency (UDSA) pending investigations into its activities, following a meeting with bus drivers who had threatened to withdraw their services over the cost and administration of driver badge renewals.
In a statement issued on Monday, October 12, the ministry said it had agreed to review the refresher training framework, including the recognition of authorised training companies, as part of efforts to address concerns raised by members of the United Bus Drivers Association (UBDA).
The meeting, chaired by Winstone Katushabe, the Commissioner for Transport Regulation and Safety, also reaffirmed that driver badges remain free of charge, with renewals to be conducted online.
The government’s intervention follows a notice issued by UBDA threatening industrial action from Monday, October 12, in protest against what the association described as increasing financial and administrative pressure arising from badge renewals, validity requirements and refresher training costs.
The association had warned that professional bus drivers would park their vehicles until their concerns were meaningfully addressed, raising the prospect of disruptions to urban commuting and long-distance travel across the country.
However, the ministry’s statement did not explicitly confirm whether the planned strike had been formally called off.
Under the resolutions reached at Monday’s meeting, the ministry said it would introduce a temporary arrangement for drivers whose badges had expired. The drivers have been asked to submit a list of those affected, strictly limited to individuals who have undergone the required training.
UBDA has argued that drivers’ salaries are insufficient to cover recurring expenses associated with badge renewals and refresher training, while acknowledging the importance of road safety.
In its strike notice, the association called for training programmes that are affordable, practical and developed in consultation with professional drivers.
“Road-safety training should be strengthened,” the notice stated, adding that it should also be “practical, affordable and designed in consultation with the professional drivers who operate Uganda’s roads every day.”
The ministry said the drivers had been given one week to submit a detailed written document outlining their concerns and proposed solutions. A follow-up meeting involving all bus drivers will be convened within the same period.
It also announced plans to hold quarterly meetings with drivers across the country to maintain dialogue and address operational and safety concerns in the transport sector.
During Monday’s engagement, Katushabe acknowledged divisions within UBDA’s leadership and said the government would continue engaging the different factions to promote unity.
The ministry commended the drivers for opting for dialogue rather than industrial action.
The suspension of UDSA’s operations pending investigations is among the most significant decisions announced following the meeting, although the ministry did not specify the activities under investigation or indicate how long the suspension would last.
The outcome of the talks could ease tensions between professional drivers and transport regulators, but questions remain over the future of refresher training, the recognition of training providers and the arrangements for drivers whose badges have expired.
The ministry’s promised follow-up meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for the drivers to present their proposals and for the government to clarify the next steps in implementing the agreed measures.