A Uganda tour is very common on bucket lists for tourists who visit Africa. This thrilling destination is in the eastern part of the African continent. It has a lot to unearth. After deciding the dates to come to this nation, you have as well to choose how to travel around.

There are multiple options, but if you fancy a cheap and local way to have the best of Uganda, Self-drive is the number one answer.  Various companies provide good cars for hire at reasonable rates.

If you have the required car rental charges you can’t fail to get yourself a Toyota Rav4, Land cruiser Prado, TZ, V8, GX, Super custom, Safari van, and the coaster bus. They all have four-wheel drive and are ready for a Uganda road trip. For camping addicts, a 4×4 rooftop tent car in Uganda won’t fail to fulfill your desires.

Choosing to rent a car in Uganda isn’t a bad idea, but be sure to know this important information highlighted before you take a step to drive on Uganda’s roads.

Requirements

To drive a car in Uganda, you must have a valid driving license issued by a recognized organization. For foreigners, you use the one issued by your home country or an international driving license. Moreover, you have to be of the right age and in good health condition. The age of the person allowed to drive starts from 25 years going up.

Road rules and regulations

Road rules in Uganda require you to own a legit driving license. It limits all motorists from over speeding, overloading, and driving while talking on the phone. Additionally, no one is allowed to drink and drive.

Traffic police are ever available to enforce these rules. The officers are distributed on different highways and various roads in cities and towns. Be very carefully such that you don’t fall victim. Once you fail to go by the regulations, expect penalties. Apart from that, the car must be in good condition with all its parts working well.

Which way to keep?

Uganda was colonized by the British. Therefore, all motorists keep left. If you are not used to this, it is better you first practice. Get a local driver to help you get used to keeping left while driving on the country’s fine roads.

What to do in case of an accident

When you involve in an accident, the first thing to do is recording a statement at the nearby police station. Usually the motorist who cause the incident is responsible for all the damages caused on the vehicle. Rented cars come with comprehensive insurance, but still you have to meet penalties stated in the car rental terms and conditions.

Nature of traffic.

All roads to various regions of the nation start from Kampala. These include Kampala – Jinja highway, Masaka road, Hoima road, Masindi – Gulu highway, Mityana – Mubende – Fort portal route, and Gayaza road. These roadways experience too much car congestion especially the sections within Kampala city and the suburbs. Traffic jam is common in the morning and evening hours.

Traffic lights interpretation

All roads within the cities and towns have traffic lights. These are installed to ensure proper follow of traffic at the junctions. The lights that manage each lane are three and display different colors.

If you don’t know how to interpret them, here is the meaning. A red light means stop, yellow light alerts you to get ready, and a green light means you are free to go. If the traffic light operator is requesting you to stop, it will start with yellow lighting and be followed by a red light. When it’s allowing you to go, it starts with yellow then followed by a green one.

Nature of Roads in Uganda

The pearl of Africa has both marram and tarmacked paths. The marram or gravel roads are very common in villages and protected areas like National parks. All main routes in cities like Kampala, Jinja, Mbarara, and more are tarmac and in good condition.

Some roads in western Uganda have sharp corners and very dangerous for those who like over speeding. While using these routes, you are advised to maintain low speed.

Traffic-free routes in Uganda

Uganda has several traffic-free routes. These are Entebbe expressway, Kampala northern by pass, Kampala – Jinja expressway, and Busega – Mpigi highway. If you are coming from Entebbe, use the Entebbe expressway to dodge the traffic congestion in Kampala city center. This road leads you to Busega where you find the Northern bypass, Masaka road, Hoima road, and the Mityana highway.

Road users

Road users in Uganda include pedestrians, Boda Boda riders, matatu drivers, personal cars, and lorry, and heavy trucks. The lanes are shared and ever congested, especially in the city centers. You have to be sober such that you don’t cause accidents.

Security

The country is safe and free from any threats of attack. Most parts of the country have police posts. There are provided to keep the law and protect people. Besides that, it is not safe to drive at night as most roads don’t have lights. It is even hard to get help in case your car breaks down along the way.

Most service providers like mechanics stop working at 7:00 PM, therefore it may be difficult to get support except when you have a contact for someone who can rescue you. Avoid hidden areas, thieves try to target these places.