Lira city drivers call for mass sensitization on new traffic regulations.

By Regina Lalam Olal

The chairperson Uganda Northern drivers and transport network Mr Bernard Nyeko Masanga says many drivers have no knowledge about the new law and request for sensitisation before it's implementation.

Irene Sselingat,the Regional traffic officer North Kioga when contacted assured drivers in Lira that experts from Kampala will soon hold a sensitization meeting to address concerns about the automated penalty system.

"The system is designed to enforce traffic rules such as speed limits and road signs,the system will be rolled out city by city including Lira city" said Sselingat .

The system aims to promote road safety by enforcing speed limits, road signs, and driving permit regulations.

Drivers are meanwhile seeking adjustments to the penalty amounts and more time to renew expired driving permits before facing penalties. 

According to the new law in Uganda, drivers with expired permits face penalties for driving without a valid license. The penalties include fine UGX 500,000 6 months, imprisonment or both fine and imprisonment

Additionally, driving without a valid permit can also attract fines ranging from UGX 600,000 to UGX 3,000,000, with possible imprisonment for 1-5 years.

The automated penalty system, also known as the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS), uses cameras to monitor and enforce traffic rules.

Drivers as well expressed concerns about the system, citing limited time for renewal of driving permits as a major issue.

Geoferry Olobo one of the drivers in Lira city appealed to the law implementers to consider their concerns and make necessary adjustments.

Mobile phone use while driving

The law now strictly ban using handheld mobile phones while driving this includes texting, making calls, or using apps offenders risks

Ugx three hundred thousand fine 300,000.

Driving under the influence (DUI).

Zero tolerance has been adopted toward drunk driving:

Alcohol limit: 0.08 % blood Alcohol (BAC).

Penalties:

First offense: UGX 1 million(1,000,000) or 1-year license suspension

Repeat offenses: 2 years suspension and mandatory rehabilitation

All left- hand drive vehicles are now prohibited from being imported or registered, except for emergency or diplomatic use.

Blocking pedestrian walkways or zebra crossings now attracts heavy penalties. Authorities have emphasized that pedestrians -first road polices will be strictly enforced, especially in urban centers.CCTV and Speed cameras are now widely installed in major towns and highways.

It should however be noted that lasts evening the government through the ministry of works and transport last evening called off the implementation of the new regulations pending review.