Driving in Uganda are very important when it comes 4×4 rental holidays. It is important for visitors to know some of the Tips for driving safe in Uganda and the neighboring countries.
In Uganda, all traffic follows left hand side. When driving, you are supposed to keep left. Some visitors come from countries where driving is on the right-hand side. It is important to keep in Mind that in Uganda, driving is on the left-hand side.
Nature of roads in Uganda
Some roads in Uganda are Tarmac and others are not. Most Highways in Uganda are Tarmac roads leading to traveling up country with ease and with less delays related with road. More over in towns and other major connecting roads in Uganda are also Tarmac.
In National Park, or some roads leading to National parks, the roads are not Tarmac, they are un paved. So 4×4 cars are preferred to visit Uganda National parks and other attractions found up country. 4×4 cars have energy to drive you dirty roads, even on Rainy season, 4×4 cars are important as the roads become slippery and pot holes full of dirty water.
Safety on Ugandan roads
Uganda is safe for travel and many visitors both on safaris and self driving come and finish their trips safely.
Safety on the roads is okay, there are traffic officers on the road to make sure all is well on the roads. When the traffic officer stops you, he will need to look at your driving license, check others things to see whether the car is okay to be on the road.
If you drive badly, for example driving speed, driving with invalid driving permit, and not obeying many other traffic rules, there are penalties given. When caught, there is a fine to pay.
On some roads and places, there cameras on the road.
Drive carefully in most centers or towns, as those places tent to have many people on the road, market vendors, some markets are on the road side. Reduce speed approaching search places.
Avoid parking anywhere, park the car in the safe place and always lock the doors and windows
Do not leave your valuables in the car even if locked. Things like laptops, phones, cameras and etc.
In cities and towns, there are many boda boda men (Motor cyclists). Be careful with them as some times they drive in the middle of the road and can turn sides anyhow.
In cities, sometimes there is traffic jam, this happens mostly in the morning when people are rushing to go to work and also in the evening when people are going back home from their work place.
In some cities like Kampala, parking on the street is for paying, someone responsible will place a receipt on your asking for money. Some places and hotels in Kampala have places for parking. Therefore, it depends where you are going.
Be careful with Taxis (Matatu) in Uganda most especially in towns as they can stop any where looking for passengers or off-roading.
Tips for driving in Uganda
-Avoid speed when driving in Uganda. It is one of the main causes of accidents. Always keep speed limits.
-Driving in Uganda is allowed from 18 years and above
-Make sure the car is in good mechanical condition and always have necessary requirements to be on the road.
-Obey traffic laws and road sighs along the roads
-In Uganda, driving is on the left-hand side
-In Uganda, speed limit on highways is 80km, towns it is 50 km and in National parks it is 40 km per hour.
