Works Ministry reduces permit fees for cyclists

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Ministry of Works and Transport has reduced the riding permit fees for cyclists. Boda Boda riders have in the past expressed concern about the exorbitant charges for acquiring the permits.

The Police have on several times impounded motorcycles and arrested the riders for lack of a riding permit, and third pay insurance among others.

Fred Byamukama, the State Minister for Transport on Wednesday said that effective 1st August, the permit will cost 40,000 from 60,000 shillings.

According to Byamukama, a one-year riding license will cost 100, 000 shillings from 135,000 shillings, while a three-year license is now at 130,000 shillings from 230,000 shillings.

A five-year riding license is now at 250,000 shillings from 350,000 shillings. Boda boda riders who have lost their license and want a duplicate will now be charged 60,000 shillings down from 120,000 Shillings.

The renewal of riding classes of all motorcycles including the tricycles commonly known as Tukutuku are to be charged 60,000 shillings from the 140,000 Shillings.

Byamukama said that the revision in the fees is to streamline and regulate the boda boda industry.

John Ssembatya Kisakye a Boda rider at Pioneer Mall Stage in Kampala welcomed the reduction of the fees. He said that several boda bodas have been impounded from the riders due to a lack of driving licenses. He added that the driving licenses were being charged the same way as those for motor vehicles.

Byamukama also reiterated the government’s plan to regulate and license motor vehicle garages in the city.

The Traffic and Road Safety (Licensing of Manufacturers and Garages) Regulations, 2023, provides for licensing of garages (vehicle repair facilities of any kind whether commercial or non-commercial) and accreditation of mechanics to ensure quality of service provision while repairing vehicles.

Byamukama said that only 210 garages have so far been registered, since the beginning of the year when the government issued the call.

According to Byamukama the automated garages of class A are to pay 500,000 shillings annually for the license, the class B garages 250,000 shillings, and the Class C garages with basic equipment will be charged 100,000 shillings for the license.

Byamukama also said his ministry is yet to come up with a law prohibiting mechanics without a license from repairing government vehicles.

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