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No matter how much or how little experience you have driving on Ugandan roads, you should be aware that the country has its own unique set of traffic laws that you must follow at all times to prevent difficulties like accidents and fines from the police. For your convenience, we have compiled a list of dos and don’ts for driving in Uganda.
- Drive on the left side of the road—Ugandan traffic laws stipulate that all vehicles, regardless of orientation, must drive on the left side of the road to avoid colliding with automobiles arriving from the right. The majority of cars driven in Uganda are right-hand drive. Therefore, when driving in Uganda, you should always stay to the left.
- Avoid using your phone while driving; doing so is a significant source of distraction that can quickly result in critical accidents that cost lives or money. Therefore, while driving, it is recommended to put aside your cell phone or use a blue tooth piece.
- Put on your seat belt; If you want to avoid getting in trouble with the law, you should always make sure to put on your seat belt. This is a safety measure that will save your life in the event of a severe accident, so you should always make it a point to put on your seat belt and also make sure that all of your passengers do the same.
- Don’t go over the speed limit; Over eighty percent of all accidents that occur on Ugandan roads are the result of drivers going above the speed limit, and this has resulted in the loss of many lives. In order to save lives and money, it is important to drive with caution and wisdom. You won’t run into any issues if you always obey the speed limit signs that have been placed on every route that you venture into.
- Do not operate a motor vehicle while intoxicated; doing so would endanger both yourself and your passengers. Due to the fact that alcohol impairs one’s judgment and composure, if you are feeling tipsy, refrain from operating a motor vehicle; doing so could result in an accident, an encounter with law enforcement, or an arrest, depending on the severity of the intoxication.
- Licences for drivers – It is against the law to operate a motor vehicle in Uganda or any other country for that matter if you do not possess a valid driving licence; otherwise, you run the danger of having your vehicle seized. In order to be permitted to drive on Ugandan roads, in the event that you are a foreign national, you will be required to possess either a valid international driving licence or an authorization document.
- Why park just anywhere? It’s like playing a risky game with your car. You never know if it’ll end up impounded, stolen, or vandalized. Better safe than sorry! Keep an eye out for convenient parking spots that come with a price tag, so you can steer clear of any unnecessary expenses.
- Pay close attention to the traffic signs – they’re there for a reason. From the lights to the poster signs, make sure to follow them diligently. When you’re out on the road in Uganda, make sure to keep an eye out for some important traffic signs. These include traffic lights, stop signs, speed limit indicators, warnings for sharp turns ahead, zebra crossings, and signs indicating no parking. It’s always a good idea to stay alert and follow these signs for a smooth and safe journey.
Remember, when you find yourself in a sticky situation with traffic officers, it’s best to avoid arguing and opt for a sincere apology. You never know, they might just show some understanding and let you off with a warning or a minor fine.
