What are the dos and don’ts of driving in Uganda
What are the dos and don’ts of driving in Uganda: It is so easy to go about a wonderful road trip in Uganda. To make your journey even easier, we have put together a series of recommendations. Welcome to the dos and don’ts of driving in Uganda!
We are aware that, depending on your country of origin, you will be familiar with some or most recommendations to ensure a smooth travel journey. This means you are more than ready to drive with in the pearl of Africa. It is true that most of the advice we offer here can be applied to driving in any country on the globe.
In this article, we have managed to highlight some of the essential tips to follow while driving in Uganda.
How are the road conditions for driving in Uganda?
In comparison to other some east African countries, Uganda’s roads are in very good condition. The primary roads connecting Kampala to the rest of the country are covered with smooth asphalt However, be ready for the countless speed bumps and the occasional potholes.
Even if the asphalt roads are in good condition, you usually don’t go more than 60 km/h because of the many speed bumps, and the need to slow down when passing through villages. From the road, the vista is as stunning. Avoid the common mistake tourists tend to make of seeing too much in one trip. To those who are not well conversant with the directions, we advise you not to rely on google maps but to always to review our table that we provide about the driving times and distances.
Do you want to know what kind of car is best for driving in Uganda? Since you will be driving on asphalt roads for the most part in Uganda, we highly recommend the Toyota Hilux, Toyota land cruiser and a Prado for the most comfortable vehicle in our inventory for these conditions.
Tips to follow .
Always keep driving on your left-hand side.
Yes, in Uganda, we drive on the left-hand side of the road. It will be obvious to many people, but this is a bit of knowledge you cannot take for granted.
Don’t turn on red.
The concept of turning right on a red light, common in countries like the United States, does not exist at all in Uganda. Red means red. Never go through a red light.
Do keep your tank full.
This piece of advice is particularly relevant if you are going off the beaten track or driving to far destinations. Always make sure you keep your tank full, you never know how far you will have to drive till the next service station.
If you plan on driving along a motorway, be aware that the distance between service stations can be considerable, sometimes 40 km or more.
Be familiar with the types of gas / petrol in Uganda.
On service stations in Uganda (called shell, Total, stabex, Rubis, Nesta, Hass) you will find different types of gas.
They include Petrol and Diesel. To those driving their own cars, are able to know which type of gas to use, however to those who have rented the car, it is common practice to have a sticker on the inside of the tank lid showing the type of gas you should use.
The way you go about filling your tank changes from one station to another. In most service stations in Uganda, you park at the pump stations, talk to the attendant about the type and price of fuel you need.
Don’t drink and drive.
Drink driving laws in Uganda are strict and the penalties include heavy fines, the loss of your license and even imprisonment. If you are involved in an accident while driving drunk you will be in serious trouble.
Never mind the chances of a serious encounter with the law. The most important reason why you shouldn’t drink and drive is that it is extremely dangerous, for you, for the people travelling with you and for anyone else on the same road as you.
Do find out what the speed limits are?
While there are exceptions to the general rule, the most common speed limits in Uganda are,
30 km/hr in residential areas, near schools, hospitals, and market areas.
50 km/hr designated while on the urban areas.
40km/ hr with in the national parks.
The rules, and its exceptions, are complex, so always pay attention to the speed limits and make sure you do not exceed them.
Do check out for speed traps.
The truth is that if you stick to the speed limits there isn’t much reason for concern regarding speed traps while in Uganda. But in any case, be aware that certain roads have speed camera traps. Speed traps in Uganda can be seen Kampala–Entebbe Expressway and Kampala-Masaka highway and other roads.
Do wear your seat belts when you are in the car.
Whether you are sitting on the front or the back seats, always wear your seat belts for safety measures.
Do drive safely around motor cyclists.
Boda boda riders are a very common sight on many Ugandan roads and they have a right to using the road. The number of boda boda riders killed in traffic accidents is alarmingly high especially on high ways so be careful while you are driving with in Uganda, follow the traffic rules and regulations to avoid causing accidents.
Before you overtake a motorcyclist or a group of them, make sure you can keep a distance between your car and the cyclist of about 1. 5 meters.
Don’t use the phone while driving.
Law enforcement agents do not take it kindly to people using their mobile phones while driving. This is because talking on phone can cause one to lose focus thus leading to road accidents.
Be mindful about your kids while in the car.
In Uganda, we don’t generally advise you to drive with young children while they are seated at the front seat since they are unpredictably, imagine one pressing the brakes on a high way, what could turn out. If you are travelling with children, make sure you use the correct car seats and advise them to put on the seat belts.
Always select the right vehicle for your trip.
Unless your budget is unlimited, you should know that even the most compact model of car will do the trick. Sure, if you are thinking of coming to Uganda during the peak season, we strongly advise you to rent a car in advance and one which is suitable for your trip. Always ask for a comfortable 4×4 vehicle.
Don’t Park your vehicle any old how.
While parking in remote areas doesn’t usually pose much of a challenge, the same cannot be said of cities, where parking is no mean task.
Do respect pedestrian crossings.
Pedestrian crossings, with in Uganda are to be respected especially when you come across a zebra crossing. Most Ugandan pedestrians understand that they have the absolute right of way while on a pedestrian crossing and they are definitely right. Not stopping at a pedestrian crossing indicates a very heartless person and it can still result to accidents.
Always use signal indicators while driving.
In Uganda, many drivers tend to neglect use of indicators while driving. We guess whether it’s due to lack of enforcement, poor driving habits, or inadequate driver training. Improper use of indicators or not using them leads to confusion on the road thus increased risk of accidents. This still causes disorder on the roads, especially in busy areas like Kampala. We advise you to be mind ful while driving by indicating signals while driving in Uganda.
Have an emergency safety kit with you.
An emergency safety package prepares you for any unexpected conditions that may disrupt your travel. This means you need to carry essential items such as spare tires.
Before departing for your road trip vacation, make sure that the rental company you booked with gives a safety kit . This kit should containing respective items such as a Jake, jumper cable, batteries, road flares, flashlight and a spare tire. This safety kit is a must safety package for both first timers or not.