The Rt. Hon. Prime Minister, Robinnah Nabanja on Thursday, 10^th of February launched the newly rehabilitated MV Pamba. The Railway Wagon ferry had been grounded since 2005 at Portbell Pier due to non-conformity with class requirements and the lack of insurance cover.

However, on 18th May 2020, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Government of Uganda (represented by Ministry of Works and Transport) and M/S Mango Tree Group Limited (MTGL).  As per the MoU, MTGL was to carry out the rehabilitation, upgrade, and class, insure and commission MV Pamba wholly at its own cost. The MoU was valid for a period of 12 months.

The MoU further states that upon completion of the rehabilitation and upgrade of the vessel, the Ministry of Works and Transport will enable MTGL to obtain the concession from URC to operate the vessel on a commercial basis and on terms and conditions negotiated under a separate and specific agreement.

As a result of this MoU, the vessel was handed over to MTGL on 27th May 2020 at Port Bell Luzira by the Hon. Minister of State for Transport, Joy KAbatsi. The rehabilitation works were completed by MTGL on 8^th November 2021 after a successful sea trial and the rehabilitation costs were estimated to have cost Twelve Billion Uganda Shillings (UGX 12,000,000,000).

While launching the loaded vessel, the Prime Minister noted that the revitalization of the water transport after many years of inactivity is testament to the government’s commitment to strengthening and growing the Ugandan economy and the private sector through provision of reliable, safe and effective transport services and infrastructure.

This vessel is projected to ply the routes between PortBell, Jinja Port, Mwanza Port, and Kisumu Port doing on average twelve voyages per month moving approximately 21,120 Tonnes of cargo.

Present to witness the launch of MV Pamba was The Minister for Works and Transport, Hon. Gen. Katumba Wamala.

“I am very happy today to have MV Pamba rehabilitated and ready to sail again after 17 years of being grounded.  MV Kaawa which was grounded at the same time as Pamba has been sailing since 2012 and brought life back to Lake Victoria transport. The addition of MV Pamba therefore seals our intentions to make our Lake Victoria a very vital transport resource for our country and region,” said Katumba while addressing guests at Portbell Pier.

Uganda is soon going to enlist among the oil producing countries of the world. This has necessitated the development of numerous prerequisite transport infrastructure to match the requirements of the highly prospective oil and gas sector.

Countries in the region are also experiencing good economic growth over the last years hence an increase in both exports and imports. With this addition, Uganda is strategically placed to serve as a conduit in growing and promoting inter-state commerce and trade between the sister nations and particularly the private sector.

In concluding her speech, The Prime Minister called upon all the players in this sector including business community, shippers, clearing agents, manufacturers and the general public to support this service by bringing all their cargo so that the route grows further and service becomes better.

She also directed URC to work tirelessly to re-earn the trust and confidence of their customers which it once enjoyed.

The road network in Uganda comprises of the National Roads, District Roads, Urban Roads and Community Access Roads (DUCAR). In the financial year 2020/21, a total of 341km of national and town roads i.e. 221km and 120 km respectively, were substantially completed, 16 bridges on the national road network completed and 167.7 km of national roads rehabilitated.

The total paved stock of the national road network by the end of the financial year stood at 5,591km (26.6%) while the condition of the network was above the NDP III targets, with 96.6% for paved and 81.7% for unpaved roads in fair-to-good. Also, UNRA received a ferry from the Ministry of Works and Transport, which will operate on Lake Basina.

On the DUCAR network, a total of 387.32km out of a target of 567.2km the district roads were graveled. Substantially finished 11no. (4 No. of which were cable foot bridges) out of the fifteen (15) bridges 8.04km of urban roads were rehabilitated and upgraded to bituminous standard out of a target of 14.7km. Lastly, 890km of community access roads out of a target of 1,269.6km were rehabilitated to completion. Works were on-going by the end of the financial year for the remaining kms.

The Ministry of Works and Transport through its Department of Policy and Planning held its 1st Annual Integrated Transport Infrastructure and services (ITIS) Program Workshop on the 27^th of January, 2022. The workshop reviewed the sector’s performance under the National Development Plan (NDP) III. The ITIS report tracks the performance (Physical and Financial) in implementing the planned annual program outputs and the extent and direction of movement towards the program’s annual results targets.

The workshop was held under the theme, “Securing our Future by Optimizing Transport Assets Performance”. This theme is important considering that Transport infrastructure is one of the most important factors for any country to achieve economic progress. Therefore, transport asset management is key and provides a rationale for proper decision making on sustainability and quality of the transport infrastructure. Optimization of our transport assets will ensure greater accountability and improved performance of transport services. Well-maintained transport infrastructure ensures good connectivity and adds speed and efficiency to the Country’s progress and is essential for economic growth.

In FY 2020/21, Parliament appropriated a total Budget of UGX 5,583.623bn to the Integrated Transport Infrastructure and Services Program representing 14.61% of the National Budget. The government contributed UGX 3,313.67bn representing 59.3% while the Development Partners contributed UGX 2,269.955Bn representing 40.7%. This has enabled the Program to implement a number of projects under road, railway, air and inland water transport.

Under Roads sub-sector, the Country has a total road network of 159,363 km which comprise of 20,854 km of National Roads; 38,603 km of District Roads; 19,959km of Urban Roads and 79,947 km of Community Access Roads. In FY 2020/21, a total of 221km of national roads and 120km of town roads were upgraded to bituminous standards while 167.7km of national roads were rehabilitated. Also, 16 (sixteen) bridges on the national roads network were completed.

With this progress, the total paved stock of the national road network by the end of FY 2020/21 stood at 5,591km. As for the Road condition; the national road network in good to fair condition was 96.6% for paved and 81.7% for unpaved roads this was above the NDP III targets of 85% and 80% respectively.

On the DUCAR network, a total of 387.32km out of the targeted 567.2km District roads were graveled while 8.04km of urban roads were rehabilitated and upgraded to bituminous standard out of the targeted 14.7km. Also, 11 bridges out of fifteen were substantially completed.

Lastly, 890km of community access roads out of the targeted 1,269.6 km were rehabilitated. For KCCA roads, a total of 25.5km of roads were upgraded/ rehabilitated.

The Air transport sub-sector was most affected by the covid-19 outbreak in the last quarter of FY 2019/20, and FY 2020/21. The overall traffic performance was negatively affected with both passengers and commercial aircraft movements performing below anticipated growth. International passenger traffic performed below target by close to 60%. This is on account of devastating effects of Covid-19 where most countries restricted international travel in order to reduce the spread of the pandemic.

In FY 2020/21, the ITIS Program focused on the following Projects under the Air Sub Sector; Rehabilitation and expansion of Entebbe International Airport, Development of Kabaale International Airport, Revitalization of the National Airlines, Improvement of regional aerodromes and the operationalization of the East African Civil Aviation Academy.

Government has embarked on developing the Railway Subsector in order to facilitate easy movement of heavy cargo across borders, with the support of Development Partners government has prioritized both the rehabilitation of the Meter Gauge and development of the Standard Gauge railway.

In this regard, Government is implementing the following key projects under the Railway subsector; Rehabilitation of Tororo-Gulu MGR line, Rehabilitation of Malaba-Kampala MGR line, Rehabilitation of Gulu-Pakwach MGR line, Development of Malaba-Kampala SGR and Development of Gulu Logistics Hub.

 The development of inland water transport is a key priority for the ITIS Program as it is one of the cheapest modes of transport. During the period under review, the Program achieved the following key milestones; processed the Inland Water Transport Bill 2020, which was passed by the Parliament on 10th May 2021.

Works for Kinawataka – Bukasa access road to Bukasa port have been completed. Rehabilitation of Marine Vessels (i.e. Mv Pamba) to operationalize the central corridor.

Also, the Program provided the following ferry services;  Nakiwogo, Kiyindi, Mbulamuti, Bisina, Masindi, Kyoga – I, Kyoga – II,  Albert Nile –1, Laropi, Obongi, Amuru, and Sigulu.

According to the Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development, the overall, Program performance of the Sector during FY 2020/21 was to a great extent satisfactory despite challenges occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic.

In an effort to bolster rail transport as a means of ensuring a robust multi-modal transport system in the country, the Government of Uganda has embarked on a project to rehabilitate the 234km stretch of the Namanve - Tototo rail section.

The Government of Uganda through Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) has engaged M/s China Road and Bridge Corporation for expediency to undertake the rehabilitation works for the Tororo – Namanve railway section.

The project cost is USD 51.8 Million with a duration of 16 months including the defects liability period.

The rehabilitation works will be limited to the sections of Namanve – Tororo (222 Km) including the Jinja pier line, reinstatement of the pier yard (3.7 Km) for a total track length of 234 Km that includes the crossing lines (8.3 Km).

The project scope shall include; drainage improvement, track formation improvement, girder bridge repairs, ballasting, supply and fixing of track fasteners, re-sleepering and Re-railing for priority sections, reconditioning of track components and level crossing reconstruction.

The Contractor has committed to fund the education of ten needy school children in every district through which the rehabilitation project stretches as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility.

In accordance with The Inland Water Transport Act, 2021; A person who intends to employ a vessel in navigation of inland waterways or fly a Ugandan flag shall register the vessel with the Maritime Administration.

Application for registration

The application for registration of a vessel shall be accompanied by the following information:

1. A construction certificate of a vessel to be registered;
2. The instruments of transfer of a vessel, where the applicant is not the first owner;
3. Three proposed names of the vessel;
4. The name of the owner and master of the vessel;
5. Number of shares per owner;
6. A description of vessel in terms of material used for construction;
7. The intended purpose of the vessel;
8. The tonnage of a vessel or passenger capacity;
9. The size and length of the keel;
10. The number of applicable life-saving appliances;
11. The number of crew to work on a vessel;
12. Proof of payment of prescribed registration fees; and
13. Any other relevant information as may be prescribed by the Minister, by regulations.

Registration

The Maritime Administration shall, on receipt of the application, after inspecting the vessel and being satisfied with the information provided, register the vessel in the register of vessels.

Certificate of registration

The Maritime Administration shall, upon registration of a vessel , issue a certificate of registration.

Download: Application for Registration of Vessels Under Inland Water Transport Act, 2021

The Permanent Secretary, Waiswa Bageya was honored to receive three (3) awards on behalf of the Ministry of Works and Transport at the recently concluded Nita-U e-Government Excellence Awards.

The E-Government Excellence Awards ceremony was held at Serena Hotel on the 10^th of December, 2021. It was organized by the National Information Technology Authority Uganda (Nita-U) in partnership with Ernst and Young limited, Hauwei Technologies and the World Bank Uganda.

The awards ceremony celebrated the advancements in e-government services in Uganda under the Theme “Bold digital Government: Embracing Disruptive Technologies”

As part of the national transport system, Rail transport plays a significant role in the overall growth and development of the economy. It opens up regions, hinterlands and rural areas by facilitating agricultural development as well as the growth of cottage and large scale industries.

Rail transport is considered as the hub of the transport system owing to its great capacity to transport much more freight and passengers with ease for longer distances. It is also associated with relatively lower unit costs and greater safety.

In spite of these, the rail industry in Uganda is faced with strong market share competition from road transport which handles more that 90% of freight and passenger movements.

The Ministry therefore carried out a Regulatory Impact Assessment whose report deduced that the performance of the rail industry in Uganda is suboptimal. The causes for these are the ineffective railway service, inadequate rolling stock, encroachment on railway land, low demand for railway services and poorly regulated railway transport services.

In light of these, the key stakeholders including the private sector, local government, were engaged in a consultative meeting on Friday 19^th November, 2021 to review the amendment to the Uganda Railways Corporation Act, Cap 331.

The stakeholders deliberated on the commensurate actions that will address the suboptimal performance of railways in Uganda with a view of enabling an efficient and effective movement of goods and persons by a network of tracks and wagons/ coaches and locomotives.

The Ministry of Works and Transport has today taken back the mandate of Motor Vehicle Registration and Inspection from the Uganda Revenue Authority. URA handed over this function at their headquarters where the services will continue to be offered to the public.

On the 10^th of August 2018, the decision to transfer back the responsibility of registering and licensing motor vehicles in Uganda. URA will remain responsible for motor vehicle custom clearance and first time registration (Issue of first time number plates for newly imported motor vehicles).

All post registration processes under the Domestic Taxes Department in the tax body will be handed over to the Ministry of works and Transport effective from today 3rd November 2021.

During this transition URA will continue to offer technical support to the MoWT and jointly continue to update the public and sensitize the public about the processes.

The handover ceremony was attended by all three Ministers from the Ministry of works and transport namely, Hon. Edward Katumba Wamala, Hon. Musa Ecweru and Hon. Fred Byamukama.

Addressing the ceremony, Hon. Katumba Wamala said he was pleased with the good working relationship between the Ministry staff and those from the tax body. The Minister officially degazetted the old log books and shared plans to move to a simple card that contained all the relevant vehicle information.

The Minister stressed that the transfer of functions was dimmed fit to enable the tax body focus on its core mandate of revenue collection while the Ministry managed a complete, competent and credible motor vehicle registration system.

The Undersecretary Barbara Namugambe on behalf of  the Permanent Secretary, expressed gratitude to URA for granting space at the headquarters and aiding in the transition including through seconding 20 staff members and continuous training. She went on to introduce the Ministry team that will take on the responsibility of motor vehicle registration.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, URA Commissioner General John Musinguzi Rujoki said the transfer of motor vehicle administration to the Ministry of Works is intended to improve service delivery to the public.

 Mr Musinguzi said motor vehicle licensing will improve further through the joint development and implementation of integration capabilities of the various systems, including the interface between motor vehicle records archiving system, e-Tax system, ASYCUDA world, e-platform service desk system, client queue management system and the automated licensing system.

The Global Alliance for Non-Government organizations for Road Safety represented by HOVITA-Hope for Victims of Traffic Accidents handed over the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030 to Hon. Minister for Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala.

The Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021 - 2030 calls on Governments and stakeholders to take a new path – one that prioritizes and implements an integrated Safe System approach that squarely positions road safety as a key driver of sustainable development. It also calls for actions that help the world hit the target of a 50% reduction in the number of road traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2030. This means that road safety should not be compromised or traded-off in order to achieve other social needs, road safety should not be approached as a stand-alone issue but as an integrated component of many different policy agendas.

This Global plan aims to inspire National and Local Government, as well other Stakeholders including Civil Society, Academia, Private sector, Donors, the Community and Youth Leaders, and other stakeholders to develop National and Local Action Plans and targets for the Decade of Action.

As a country, the Ministry is currently developing the National Road Safety Action Plan in collaboration with other stakeholders. The 2^nd draft National Road Safety Action Plan was discussed with stakeholders on 1^st October 2021 at Mestil Hotel, Kampala and it’s expected to be launched in December 2021, during the National Road Safety Week upon approval by TLT.

In order to support NGOs to use the launch to strengthen advocacy, the Global Alliance for Non – Government Organizations for Road Safety is coordinating a handover activity, where NGOs will hand over the Global Plan to their high-level decision makers, targeting Ministers and the Road Safety Agencies, who are accountable for road safety in their respective countries.

This is aimed at giving NGOs an opportunity to continue their specific, targeted advocacy for measures that will help to achieve the goals of the Decade of Action, such as the continued push for 30 km/h speed limit in areas with vulnerable road users.

In 2020, the former Hon. Minister of State for Transport led a delegation from Uganda and attended the 3^rd Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety in Stockholm, Sweden 19^th – 20^th February 2020. The meeting led to the Stockholm Declaration which was tabled before the UN General Assembly in September 2020. The UN General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/74/299 "Improving global road safety", proclaiming the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, with the ambitious target of preventing at least 50% of road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030.

World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Regional Commissions, in cooperation with other partners in the UN Road Safety Collaboration, have developed a Global Plan for the Decade of Action that will be launched on 28^th October 2021 in every country. The Global Plan aligns with the Stockholm Declaration, by emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to road safety, and calling on continued improvements in the design of roads and vehicles; enhancement of laws and law enforcement; and provision of timely, life-saving emergency care for the injured. It also reflects the promotion of policies to promote walking, cycling and using public transport as inherently healthy and environmentally sound modes of transport.

Global Plan- Decade of Action 2021 – 2030

The National Air Transport Facilitation Committee (NAFCL) comprising of stakeholders from different sectors held a meeting at the Kabaale International Airport in Hoima on Wednesday 13^th, October.

The NAFCL was inaugurated by the Hon. Minister of Works and Transport on 24^th January 2005 to operationalize the provisions of the National Air Transport facilitation Program (NATFP). The NATFP contains guidance on how a member state of ICAO complies with Standards Stipulated in Annex 9 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago, 1944).

The team of officers from the Ministry of Finance, Agriculture, Tourism, Energy and Mineral Development among others visited the Airport to acquaint themselves with and give their input on the ongoing construction works.

The meeting was chaired by the Ministry of Works and Transport, Director of Transport in place of the Permanent Secretary.