Driving in Uganda offers travellers an opportunity to explore its beautiful landscapes, national parks and rural areas at their own pace. That said, it requires extra care, awareness and preparation
In Uganda, to legally drive a motor vehicle you must hold a valid driving licence issued by the Uganda Driver Licensing System (UDLS) under the Ministry of Works and Transport.
For first-time applicants (residents), the process generally involves: obtaining a learner’s licence, completing training at a licensed driving school, passing a driving test (certificate of competence), then applying for a full driving licence.
Minimum legal driving age in Uganda is 18 years.
A valid driving licence must be carried when driving. Having only a learner’s permit without supervision is not sufficient for independent driving.
If you are a non-resident traveller planning to drive in Uganda, you may use your foreign national driving licence provided it is valid and in English (or accompanied by a translation/IDP) for a temporary period.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) aids in translating your licence information for local authorities and car hire companies. It is recommended especially if the original licence is not in English.
Note: Uganda itself does not issue an IDP for foreign drivers arriving from abroad you must obtain one in your home country before arrival.
Learner’s licence: Applicants apply via UDLS or its portal. Requirements include proof of identification, medical certificate, enrolment in a licensed driving school, and payment of fees.
Full driving licence: After learning and passing the driving test (done by the Inspectorate of Vehicles — IOV), you submit an application for the full licence. Required documents include: learner’s licence, certificate of competence, ID/passport, payment receipt (PRN) and completed forms.
Foreign licence exchange: If you hold a valid foreign licence and intend to stay longer (or convert to a Ugandan licence), there is a process for exchange/conversion through UDLS.
Fees & validity: The full/new driving licence can be issued for periods of 1, 3 or 5 years depending on the class and payment.
Note: For more information visit -> https://udls.co.ug/
Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) reports that Uganda’s road network covers roughly 130,000 km, but only about 20 % of this is paved.
The network includes:
Major paved highways linking cities (e.g., Kampala–Entebbe Expressway)
Secondary roads (often gravel or murram)
Feeder and community access roads, many of which are earth tracks.
While significant upgrades have been made — for example nearly 4,800 km of new paved/tarmac roads built in recent decades. The network may be improving, but maintenance remains a major challenge.
Always inspect your vehicle carefully before setting off — check tyres, brakes, lights, wipers and make sure you have a spare tyre and tools.
Drive defensively: expect motorbikes (especially “boda-bodas”), pedestrians, livestock or other unexpected obstacles.
Obey speed limits and adjust speed for conditions (heavy rain, narrow roads, poor visibility).
Avoid driving at night where possible — many roads are poorly lit, hazards are harder to spot.
Keep a safe following distance, especially on highways and when visibility is poor.
Lock your vehicle and keep valuables out of sight, especially when parked or stopped in urban areas.
Use trusted parking or well-lit areas overnight. Be cautious when stopping at remote or unfamiliar places.
Stay connected — share your route or itinerary with someone and carry a local SIM or means of communication.
Know local emergency numbers: e.g., for general emergencies and police in Uganda.
Note: We have an entire section for such emergency contacts.
Expect frequent police roadblocks and checkpoints on major highways or approaches, sometimes with short notice.
At a checkpoint: pull over safely when asked, have your documents ready (driver’s licence, insurance, vehicle registration/rental papers) and follow officers’ instructions calmly.
The checkpoint operations are also used for traffic enforcement and security: for example the Uganda Police Force reinstated checkpoints to curb accidents and criminal activity.
In urban areas of Uganda (for example under the Kampala Capital City Authority “Traffic & Road Safety (Parking of Motor Vehicles) Regulations 2001”), designated parking bays are regulated: vehicles parked in “chargeable parking places” between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. must pay the prescribed parking fee.
A vehicle parked in a no-parking zone, or on the pavement, or outside designated bays, may attract heavy fines or even a legal penalty.
Some parking areas use a pay-and-display or ticket system, where you purchase a ticket and display it on your windscreen.
Always check the local signage, especially in major towns, to confirm permitted parking times and zones.
For vehicle rentals or self-drives, ensure you have documentation (rental agreement, parking receipt) in case you are challenged while parked.
Be alert for common urban hazards: sudden lane changes, motorbike taxis (boda-bodas) weaving between vehicles, pedestrians crossing unexpectedly, and cars parked or stopping without warning.
In cities like Kampala, congestion, narrow roads and frequent stops mean you should plan travel outside peak hours when possible.
When parking in urban zones: choose well-lit, secure lots if possible; avoid leaving valuables visible in your vehicle. Use designated parking zones rather than random roadside parking.
Maintain patience and defensive driving: Urban driving in Uganda can involve occasional rule-bending by other road users, so anticipate rather than assume
Drive on:
Left side
Speed Limit:
Check local signs
This information is provided as a general guide and may change without notice. Always verify current regulations with official authorities before traveling. Living In Uganda is not responsible for any consequences arising from the use of this information.