Govt to automate driver's licence process to curb fake licences

Works Minister Gen Katumba Wamala (C) addresses journalists after touring the one-stop centre for issuing driver's licences. Photo | Busein Samilu
What you need to know:
- The automated system will eliminate human interactions, and applicants will be assessed based on their performance in computer-scored tests
The government is set to revolutionise the process of obtaining driver's licenses by automating the entire system, from application to testing. This move aims to eliminate fake drivers who have been acquiring licenses through luck rather than merit.
Works Minister Gen Edward Katumba Wamala emphasised the importance of rigorous testing, saying, "We want to ensure that the applicant is tested beyond the wheel, including the theory part of it." He noted that if 60 drivers were randomly selected and asked theoretical questions about road use, less than 20 per cent would pass.
The automated system will eliminate human interactions, and applicants will be assessed based on their performance in computer-scored tests. Gen Katumba explained, "With the new system, there will not be those human interactions where the computer scores you on every stage, and for us, we assess you based on the percentage of questions you have gotten right."
The automation process is expected to commence after the completion of the one-stop centre at the Uganda Driver Licensing System (UDLS) in Kampala, slated for June. Having responsible drivers on the roads is crucial in reducing the alarming number of road crashes, which claim over 4,000 lives annually.
Commissioner in-charge of Transport Winstone Katushabe highlighted the progress made in reducing the processing time for licenses, saying, "We are glad that we have now reduced the period clients get their licenses from days to now 30 minutes and less."
Gen Wamala also responded to critics who doubted the efficiency of UDLS, saying, "I am glad you proved them wrong because even this morning I interacted with some clients who said the services are good and corruption-free."
The managing director of Uganda Security Printing Company (USPC), Mr George Mugerwa, appealed to the government to provide funding to expedite the construction of the one-stop centre.