The Minister of Works and Transport, General Edward Katumba Wamala, has defended the government’s planned Uganda vehicle inspection, assuring motorists that the policy is meant to save lives rather than punish drivers. Speaking at the launch of Foton Motors’ new assembly plant in Kampala, Katumba compared the initiative to a routine medical check-up, stressing that prevention is better than cure.
“I want to correct the impression. People think mandatory inspection means I will arrest them on the road. No,” he said. “This is about your vehicle, the one carrying your family. Just as you check your health, check your car.”
The minister revealed that the program will first run as a pilot within government fleets before expanding nationwide. Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) will face stricter enforcement, while private motorists will be encouraged to voluntarily participate. In addition, he emphasized that the move aims to protect both passengers and road users by reducing accidents linked to poorly maintained vehicles.
Katumba also used the occasion to highlight Uganda’s growing local vehicle assembly sector, describing it as safer and more affordable than importing second-hand cars. “We are getting new vehicles instead of ten or twelve-year-old imports. Local assemblers also provide reliable after-sales service,” he said.
According to Katumba, government incentives such as duty-free importation of machinery and tax holidays for investors will ensure affordability. “Most of the machinery enters tax-free, and investors can take their profits at will. So, vehicles will remain affordable,” he explained. He further expressed confidence that Uganda will eventually move from assembly to manufacturing its own vehicle parts.
On the controversial Electronic Payment System (EPS) for traffic fines, Katumba acknowledged public concern but stood firm. “We shall make it not too expensive but still punitive enough to discipline road users,” he said. Therefore, the government sees the combination of inspection, fair fines, and local assembly as part of a wider strategy to enhance road safety and build a sustainable motor industry.
Meanwhile, Foton Motors, a subsidiary of Sunbelt Group, announced plans to expand its local assembly operations. The company already assembles light-duty trucks and is preparing to roll out heavy-duty models. “Our bosses are working hard to ensure heavy trucks are also assembled in Uganda,” said Paul Wandulu, Sales Manager. “This will cut importation, reduce costs, and even allow re-export to regional markets.”
Foton aims to serve Uganda’s fast-growing construction and manufacturing sectors. “Our light trucks are excellent for transporting local products. We want to meet the needs of all customers, from traders to manufacturers,” Wandulu added.
Industry analysts observe that global automobile firms increasingly embrace local assembly in Africa to cut logistics costs, bypass import restrictions, and leverage regional trade opportunities. Consequently, Uganda’s ambitions to position itself as a hub for regional exports now appear stronger than ever.
The debate on Uganda vehicle inspection has drawn mixed reactions, but Katumba Wamala insists the policy will improve road safety while supporting the local automotive industry. With incentives for assemblers, expanding production, and regional trade opportunities, Uganda is moving closer to building a competitive motor industry that benefits both drivers and the wider economy.
