Transport in Uganda

The Ministry of Works and Transport leads national transport planning, standards, regulation, infrastructure monitoring and policy. Its framework includes the National Transport and Logistics Policy 2021 and the National Integrated Transport Master Plan 2021–2040. Transport is organized through roads, railways, aviation and water services, with responsibilities also held by urban authorities, districts and local governments. Uganda has approximately 159,623 kilometres of roads: about 21,292 kilometres of national roads, 19,952 kilometres of urban roads, 38,603 kilometres of district roads and 79,948 kilometres of community access roads. Road conditions, drainage, construction and seasonal rain can change travel times considerably. Intercity travel usually uses buses, coasters or commuter taxis. Regional travel follows corridors through Kenya and Tanzania, but fares, departure times and journey lengths depend on the service provider and destination rather than on one national tariff. Public transport is largely private and fragmented. A commuter taxi is a minibus used for public passenger services. A boda boda is a motorcycle taxi, often used for short trips and the last part of a journey where bus or taxi coverage is weak. Kampala also has coasters, buses and special-hire vehicles. A taxi park or stage is a place where vehicles wait for passengers or change services. Kampala Capital City Authority and the Ministry of Works and Transport register public-service vehicles and manage parks, terminals and approved service documentation. Informal roadside stages still exist, and enforcement against unapproved stages continues. Kampala's proposed Public Transport Management Bill from 2026 is still a draft, so it does not establish a completed nationwide or citywide system. Uganda Railways Corporation manages the railway system. The metre-gauge network is about 1,266 kilometres long, but passenger rail is currently concentrated on the Kampala–Mukono and Namanve–Kampala corridors, while freight remains the main railway use. Current weekday passenger services listed by Uganda Railways Corporation include departures from Mukono at 06:40, Namanve at 07:45, Kampala to Namanve at 17:30 and Kampala to Mukono at 18:50, with stops such as Nakawa, Spedag, Kireka and Namboole. Official sources differ on the length of functioning railway: one situation analysis lists 325 kilometres, while a later 2024/25 performance table lists 370 kilometres. Historic fares of UGX 1,000 from Nakawa, Kireka or Namboole and UGX 1,500 from Kampala to Namanve should be checked before travel. Private cars use the national road network. Vehicle registration is handled through the Ministry of Works and Transport and its Motor Vehicle Registration Portal, with the Chief Licensing Officer responsible for the current registration function rather than the Uganda Revenue Authority. A driving permit can be issued from age 18; class A covers motorcycles, class B covers motor cars with up to seven seats and class H covers tractors. Public-service and goods vehicles require additional licensing and service documentation, and a professional driving permit may apply. Motor third-party insurance is required and is commonly checked during traffic controls. Walking and cycling are recognized forms of non-motorized transport. A 2019 survey estimated walking at about 51% of trips in Uganda, boda bodas at about 24% and minibus taxis at about 12%, although the figures differ between places. Kampala has many roads without safe sidewalks, crossings or footbridges, despite walking accounting for more than half of trips in the city. Kampala, Jinja, Entebbe, Masaka, Mbarara, Fort Portal, Gulu and Mbale have implemented or planned measures such as walking corridors, bicycle lanes, wayfinding, bike-share pilots and car-free days. Entebbe International Airport handles international flights, while Uganda has 13 regional aerodromes. Uganda Airlines and private airlines provide domestic, regional and international services. Water transport serves Lake Victoria, Lake Kyoga, Lake Albert, Lake Edward, Lake George, Lake Bunyonyi and rivers. Port Bell has rail-linked vehicle-and-passenger ferry connections toward Mwanza and Kisumu, alongside private boats. The Ministry of Works and Transport inspects, registers and licenses vessels and checks seaworthiness; passengers should use the required life jacket on water journeys. Traffic rules derive from the Traffic and Road Safety Act 1998, the Amendment Act 2020 and newer regulations on speed limits, seat belts, alcohol and drugs, motorcycles, public-service vehicles, goods vehicles and demerit points. Every passenger should use a seat belt where fitted. Motorcycle riders and passengers should wear crash helmets, boda boda riders should use the required reflective jacket, drivers should not use a handheld phone or drive after drinking, and vehicles should be roadworthy. Uganda drives on the left; on roads with several lanes, drivers generally keep left except when overtaking or following signs. Sidewalks and traffic islands should not be used for driving. Transport affects Kampala's air quality through fine particles, nitrogen oxides and road dust. The National Environment Management Authority addresses vehicle pollution through measures such as fuel-quality and engine restrictions, while the Ministry of Works and Transport is responsible for vehicle emission inspections. Paved roads can reduce dust, and Kampala's programmes include traffic management, air-quality monitoring, non-motorized transport and cleaner or electric buses. Uganda's 2023 electric-mobility strategy also covers electric vehicles, electric motorcycles and charging infrastructure. Transport projects may require climate-resilience planning, environmental assessment and other safeguards.