The Ministry of Works and Transport has issued new safety measures for people travelling on Uganda’s inland waters, making the wearing of life jackets mandatory for passengers using boats powered by outboard engines.
The directive comes as Uganda enters a period when strong easterly monsoon winds and turbulent waves are common. According to the ministry, the months of July, August, September and October often experience difficult water conditions, which can contribute to an increase in marine accidents.
Under Marine Notice No. 001/2026, all boat owners and operators have been ordered to provide enough life-saving equipment, including life jackets, on their boats at all times while navigating on the water.
Passengers travelling on boats powered by outboard engines are required to wear life jackets from the time of departure and throughout the entire journey. Anyone who fails to comply with the requirement could face prosecution in court.
The ministry has also warned boat owners and operators against failing to provide life jackets. Any operator found carrying passengers without the required life-saving equipment could be prosecuted.
For conventional vessels, the ministry said life jackets must be kept in locations that are easily accessible to passengers and crew members in case of an emergency.
The government has also issued a warning against the operation of unregistered and unlicensed boats. Any boat found operating on Uganda’s inland waterways without registration and a licence from the Ministry of Works and Transport will be impounded, while the owners could face prosecution.
Boat operators have further been restricted to daytime operations. Boats powered by outboard engines are only allowed to operate between 6:30am and 6:30pm. Those found sailing at night will be detained and their operators prosecuted.
The ministry has also strictly prohibited overloading of boats, warning operators against carrying more passengers or cargo than their vessels can safely handle.
The new measures are being enforced under Uganda’s Inland Water Transport Act 2021, the Lake Victoria Transport Act 2007 and applicable international maritime conventions to which Uganda is a party.
The Ministry of Works and Transport urged all passengers, boat owners and operators to take extra precautions and comply with the safety requirements to reduce deaths and injuries caused by marine accidents.
The notice was issued in August 2026 by Hon. Julius Wandera Maganda, Minister of State for Works and Transport (Transport), as the government steps up efforts to improve safety on Uganda’s inland waterways.
