Uganda Road Requirements For Vehicles and Drivers
By East African standards, Uganda major roads are generally in good condition. Surfaced roads radiate out from Kampala, running east to Jinja, Busia, Mbarara Tororo, Mbale and Soroti, south to Entebbe, southwest to Masaka, northwest to Gayaza and Kayunga (and on Jinja). As a rule, however, Uganda, un surfaced roads tend to be very variable from one season to the next, with conditions likely to be most tricky during the rains and least so towards the end of the dry season. Even in this generalization, an isolated downpour can do major damage to a road that was in perfectly good condition a day earlier, while the arrival of a grader can transform a potholed 4×4 track into a road navigable by any salon car.
Driving in Uganda is interesting, a bit more challenging than other East Africa and Southern Africa countries. You definitely need to be a defensive driver. During yourself drive, just drive defensively when buses and minibus-taxis are around as their drivers are crazy. These are now the main hazard on Ugandan roads aside from unexpected potholes. Minibus-taxi drivers in particular have long been given to overtaking on blind corners, and speed limits are universally ignored except when enforced by road conditions.
As a big threat as minibus-taxis these days are the spanking new coaches that bully their way along trunk routes at up to 120km/h. You will be overtaken by big buses carrying over 70 passengers traveling at excessive speeds, oncoming traffic appears to be heading straight at you. People pass in curves, on a hillside and each day one reads of accidents that result in loss of lives and sometimes in great numbers. Keep an eye in the rear-view (driving) mirror and if necessary pull of the road in advance to let the closing loony past. Other than them you won’t see much traffic outside of Kampala, except on the road to Jinja and the Kenyan border.
The best thing however is to hire a car and a driver, and not just any but a well maintained vehicle and a safe driver that follows the rules. Not easy to find either one of those. We hire only the best driver guides who have been to almost every corner of East Africa and know the twists and turns of every safari destination, – and feel a concern for the well being of our client. Driving at night can drive you mad and you should avoid the habit of driving without lights. Most Ugandans have this habit of driving without lights. To be more perfect, hire a vehicle and a driver and enjoy your road trip in Uganda and East Africa as a whole.
You will meet lots of very friendly and helpful people. If you are unfortunate enough to have a puncture remember to get out of the way of the rush of local people wanting to help change the wheel for you. Drivers in Uganda are very aggressive and keep you on the edge of your seat. Though I’ve mainly been around Kampala, so of course driving in the city is much more intense than in the rural areas. If you do plan to drive definitely have someone go with you for the first few drives, as driving on the left side, and amidst tons of minibus taxi’s and motor scooters is crazy. Overall the people are welcoming and helpful if you do happen to need help.
If you hire a decent car you probably won’t have any breakdown problems, fuel is available all around the country and there might be an occasional roadblock at Owen Falls Dam, Jinja, and a customs one on the way to the southwest. No one will try and solicit a bribe from you, unlike some other countries. Fuel is expensive in Uganda – the equivalent of around US$1.4 per litre for petrol and slightly less for diesel. If you are arriving overland its worth stocking up before you enter the country.
Contact us for the kind of car of your choice either on line or by directly visiting our offices. All our rates are fully inclusive of insurance, local taxes on unlimited mileage basis. Our company considers value for money and also covers great rates and outstanding customer service.
Read More5 Reasons to Book Private Car Transfer from Entebbe
Entebbe Airport is one of the biggest airports in eastern part of Africa. It is the main gateway to Uganda and it is the only international airport within the country. This implies that all international flight schedules from Uganda are made at Entebbe airport. Obviously, once you step in Uganda, all journeys in Uganda kickstarts from this airport.
From this point, one may choose to use public means of transportation from the airport to his or her destination that’s is by using Matatu cars and minibuses or hire a private car that will take you straight away to your destination. Currently there are several agencies offering car hire in Uganda and these have greatly helped in organizing private transfers. Here are some of reasons why should rent a car than using public mean when you are travelling from Entebbe airport.
Reliability and flexibility;
A private car is so reliable as it picks a client at any time of the day or night. A traveler cannot get worried of going to travel in late in the night as some flights reach Entebbe airport late in the night. They are so flexible to an extent that they do not operate a one route system anywhere one wants to be taken it is at one’s service.
So fast in service provision;
These cars are faster that public means in helping you reaching your preferred destination. Once you choose to hire a private car, just be guaranteed that there will be no stop over on the way. The private car will lead one directly to you desired destination.
Comfortability of private cars.
The feeling and comfort you enjoy in your own personal car is the same feeling you are subjected to once you opt for a private car. There is room for stretching your legs and also your luggage has space where it can be placed and no need to carry it while seated and the space inside them is enough for you without rubbing shoulder with any other passenger as you are the only passenger in the car.
Less costly in long run;
Remember, there is no need of adding extra costs since all costs are catered for and covered in the fee you pay as it may not be in case of a public mean of transportation. Remember, most of the public transport Service providers will charge you extra cost for your luggage but there is no extra charge for luggage once you use private means. It also becomes quite expensive when one uses the public means which involves boarding different carriers when one reaches a certain point and also the fares charged by these public means are not standard as they charge according to the prevailing transport situation along the road.
Security provision;
One is safer once when he travels privately than going public. Here, a traveler is more safe and secure with his or her luggage as these private cars are always attached to car rental companies that are registered legal for the job. There is always only one passenger travelling in the car so no one can take the passenger’s belongings.
How to Save on Your Next Gorilla Trekking Experience
Africa has a wide range of tour adventures but not all are pricy. However, the most pricy options hold the most powerful experience in the rain forests of Uganda and Rwanda. Tourists go on gorilla trekking safaris in four known locations; Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. To experience the world’s most wildlife encounters in Uganda and Rwanda follow our tips and spend less on your next trip;
1. Don’t Visit in Popular times
You don’t have to visit a destination just because your friends and relatives are visiting but you can do it your way and save much. During the most popular times-peak season all tour essentials are high due to the demand making it hard to get discounts and promotional offers. However, this can happen during the low season and you save big on accommodation and other trip essentials like transport. Remember rates for low season months are different from those for high season months.
2. Visit a Cheap Alternative Park
Due to different gorilla permit prices, exploring a cheap alternative park is a great way to save and enjoy to your best. If you’re initial plan was to track gorillas in Rwanda, then head to Uganda the most convenient cheap gorilla trekking safari alternative where gorilla permits go for $600.Allow yourself to explore the ambience of two beautiful Africa countries on a single gorilla trek. No need to worry about how to connect to Uganda after flying to Kigali Rwanda. This has always been the easiest way of tracking mountain gorillas in Uganda due to short driving distance.
3. Short Gorilla Tours
Though there are many gorillas trekking safari options on offer in Uganda and Rwanda short treks of 1-3 days are great for those interested in seeing only mountain gorillas. The 3 days gorilla trek unveil all the rainforest adventures like golden monkey trek, cultural trails, nature walks, volcano hikes plus a city excursion before departure at the most affordable rates ever. In case you want to check out other country famous attractions then go for a 4- 5 days gorilla safari tour at amazingly low prices.
4. Travel with a Friend
Many Adventure tour operators in Uganda and Rwanda often organize gorilla tours for two and more which bring down the price. Don’t forget to tell a friend about your travel plans of tracking gorillas so that you can share other costs like transport and accommodation. You can also join gorilla overland trips, group tours and enjoy your trek with new friends from different corners of the world.
5. Book Budget Gorilla Safaris
If you dream of having a budget gorilla trek in Uganda, go for budget safari options where you will stay in good budget accommodation facilities in Bwindi Mgahinga national Park and experience the best. It can be a camping trip, backpacking or private budget tour.
Read More6 Requirements to Hire Car in Uganda
Renting cars for self drive safari has become so popular in Uganda. many travelers wish to travel on their own to have freedom and independence while traveling without intrusion of a third party (driver guide). many people have become so interested in the self drive expeditions but do not know what is required to rent car in Uganda.
Here we bring to you the standard requirements of renting a car in Uganda;
Age of the client: The minimum age to rent a car in Uganda is 18 years; all the drivers to rent a car must be above that age and have valid driving permits which reflects that they are professional drivers. Please note that some car rental companies have a minimum age of 21 years in order to hire a car for self drive in Uganda.
The forms of payment that are accepted for renting a car; In Uganda electronic transfers and physical payment are acceptable. Most car rental companies prefer cash to use of electronic machines or transfers since most of the car rental deliveries are done out of the office and also some companies are still at the infant stage they cannot afford the electronic transfer system.
Returning of the rental cars; the airport locations will allow returns after hours and will have procedures in place for your early or late return. You should always check the rental location when picking up your rental vehicle for exact procedure. Many of the car rental companies located at the airport are open 24/7 for your convenience. The vehicles should also be returned to the same location where picked unless prior arrangements have been made with the original renting location. For the non airport locations, need that their vehicles be returned during normal business hours. Always check with your branch about the Sunday hours.
What’s the company Mileage /Kilometer policy? The mileage / kilometer limits are set to accommodate the needs of most renters. In order to determine your mileage/ kilometer limitations from a specific location, you will need to begin the reservation process, and then followed by providing details of your pick up location, dates of rental and size of the vehicle, names and email address in order to be provided by prices and mileage restrictions.
The rental car insurance and many other protection products; the car rental companies offer additional protection products that you buy along with your rental vehicle. Presently the customers are given Damage Waiver, personal accident Insurance, the personal effects coverage.
Find out if the deposit is required when renting a vehicle in Uganda; most companies need the deposit amount that varies with location. For the reservation, choose your rental location. Dates and times. You can also visit the website of the rental company and make a booking online.
Will you need additional car rental equipment; most of the car rental companies offer the following car rental equipment; like the GPS, child seats, ski racks and many more.
It should be noted that these are standard requirements of renting a car in Uganda since different rental companies may have additional requirements as per their policies. Renting a car in Uganda is also simple and the limitations are so minimum and therefore if you are interested in self drive safaris in Uganda just hit the internet and hire a car of your choice.
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Buying a House in Uganda: 7 Things To Consider
Your home should be a place of rest that shields you from the stress of the outside world. However, deciding whether to buy a home can itself be a stressful decision requiring you set aside every emotion and consider all the pros and cons of that decision. Here are seven thoughts to help take the stress out of the decision making process:
- Change your thinking: If you think that you would be automatically happier in your own house than in a rental, you may need to reconsider. Renting a property provides for a lot of flexibility that owning a house does not. Whether you are single in a bedsitter or a couple in a one bedroom the continued comfort of both yourself and others in your life should be your first concern.
— - Who calls the shots: As a tenant, you are always at the mercy of your landlord. You cannot wake him/her up in the middle of the night to come and fix a leaking tap. Does that bother you? If it does then it’s better to own your own place so that you do not have to wait a month with a leaking roof and cracked walls before it warrants your landlord’s attention. That said, if you own you’re responsible for every dripping tap which means getting out the tool box or paying for those repairs!
— - Having a place to call your own: Sitting on your front porch knowing that a place is actually is yours is a feeling you can’t beat! As long as you keep up with your mortgage payments, you will not have to worry about being thrown out on the curb or constant rent increases.
— - A home can be an investment: If you own your own place you start to build equity for yourself whereas each year that you live in rented apartment, you are growing the equity of the property owner. Equity is the difference between the market price of your house and the amount owed on the mortgage if you sold it. As you pay down your mortgage you gain equity.
— - Do you have the cash? Few people can afford to pay outright for a house with cash. This means getting a mortgage and even with a mortgage you will need some money for a deposit and the costs incurred during the transaction. If you’re going to buy you’ll need to plan ahead so that it will be a painless process and remember that it’s never too late to start saving!
— - View home ownership as a long-term relationship: If you’re going to buy make sure that you’re in love with your home – no matter what flaws you may discover soon after you move into it. Part of the monthly mortgage repayment goes to servicing your debt and paying interest on your loan. The debt does not decrease simply by the amount you pay each month. Selling your house shortly after buying it could prove costly so be prepared to stay put for a number of years.
— - Look before you leap! Buying a house is a big commitment you should consider carefully before you make the decision. It involves serious financial implications that could cause major stress if you misjudge your ability to meet your obligations. If you aren’t prepared to deal with the problems you just might need to hang onto your rented apartment a little while longer.
Whether you chose to rent or buy a home remember a home is what and where you make it.
Read MoreHow To Buy A Car in Uganda
It’s rare to see a new car on Kampala’s streets as used cars are plentiful and the roads are punishing to old and new alike. In fact, most of the cars which are imported from abroad, usually Japan, and sold as ‘new’ in Uganda are actually already a few years old. If you’re considering a car purchase here are a few things to think through and options for finding that new set of wheels.
It sounds like an obvious place to start, but it’s important to first, consider your price range. This is not just for the car; remember to budget extra for insurance and URA logbook transfer. This will most likely dictate the type of car you are looking for. By the time you consider the cost of insurance (mandatory to keep your car on the road), the cost of logbook transfer and the cost of having a mechanic check the vehicle over and fix any small problems, you are probably looking at 500,000 UGX on top of the price you started with. So if you’re looking to spend six million on a car, you will most likely need to budget 6.5 million.
Now, you’re ready to start looking. But where to look? There are a number of places where vehicles are traded privately. Online, there is The Eye Trade (www.eyetrade.ug), or Google Trader Uganda (http://www.google.co.ug/local/trader) where sellers post their vehicles for sale. Whilst this gives a good picture of what’s available, it’s important to exercise caution – occasionally fake ads are put up.
When you’re looking for a car everyone will ask if you have been to ‘The Bonds’. These ‘bonds’ are actually ‘bonded warehouses’ which are large secured car parks of vehicles which have been imported into Uganda, but have not had the import taxes paid on them. These import duties are paid when the car leaves the ‘bond’, so make sure you are clear on what needs to be paid within the price of the vehicle. And don’t forget to bargain hard! It is normal to come and go many times over months in order to get the price you want. These bonds are found all over Kampala, often around Bugolobi/Industrial Area and up the Jinja Road. It is worth asking friends’/colleagues’ experience of bonds to find one with a good reputation and good stock. Big and well-known ones include Chatha Motors, Al-Malik, Spear and Ramzan.
There are also a number of private car dealers in Kampala. They are usually just guys who either work in the bonds or know people who are selling cars. They make their money by agreeing a percentage cut with the seller and then ‘market’ the car for that person. Obviously, the higher price they get you to agree to the more money they make. Good dealers might know quite a bit about the car they’re selling but often they know very little.
Lastly, a number of sellers post paper ads in public places such as Oasis Mall, Garden City or Quality Hill. Often these are expats leaving the country and wanting to sell their vehicles. This can sometimes result in a good bargain as people are desperate to sell before departing and may be willing to accept a lower price. However, just make sure that it’s not a vehicle with diplomatic/NGO ‘red plates’. These vehicles have not had the import duty paid on them when they are purchased by approved organisations. However when they are then sold on the open market, the duty must be paid on them, and this can add millions to the cost of the car. Be sure to check the duty status!
When reviewing your car options make sure to ask as many questions as possible. A well-informed buyer will be better able to negotiate. Bringing a mechanic or friend who knows about cars to view them is also sensible. In any case, it is wise to have a mechanic look over any vehicle which you are considering purchasing. It is a worthwhile investment since they may spot expensive underlying problems which might not reveal themselves until you drive the vehicle away!
Once you’ve found your vehicle you want to consider a couple of things. Car deals are usually straightforward in Uganda. The buyer stumps the cash. The seller receives it and turns over the keys. Often there’s not even a contract and cars are ‘as is’. From there the seller will also need to transfer the ‘log book’ to you. This can be a process that takes from a few days to several weeks and has little-to-no actual impact on who is driving the vehicle. A new logbook process was initiated in 2012 so any seller that doesn’t have a ‘new’ logbook will have to apply for a new one prior to being able to make a logbook transfer to you. The logbook transfer will mean getting a Tax Identification Number (TIN), if you don’t have one already, and going down to the URA a couple of times unless you pay someone to do this for you – and often they still want to see the seller and/or buyer in person. You will also need to set up a URA account online which is fairly straightforward with the directions the URA gives you but time consuming.
Given the amount of scrapes, knocks and accidents that happen on a daily basis on Kampala’s streets you should drive directly to the insurance office once you get the logbook. Far too many people find they have a terrible accident just when they were going to get insurance. ‘Third Party’ insurance is the minimum legal requirement to keep your car on the road. This can be purchased from all major insurance providers, but also from most petrol stations. Look out for the signs on the forecourts. For ‘comprehensive’ insurance, consider getting quotes from the major suppliers. These include Chartis, Jubilee and UAP. Although the premiums are much more expensive than the third party option, they will cover you for a range of accident repairs, and for vehicle theft.
Read MoreTourism Private Sector Condemns Killing of Lions in Queen Elizabeth Park
Tourism Private Sector Jointly Condemns Killing of Lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Arrests Have Been Made
In connection with the death of lions in Queen Elizabeth national park, four people were arrested on March 23rd 2021. Lions that have been known for climbing trees have been found dead with their heads and paws hacked off, and their bodies surrounded by dead vultures, officials said.
Bashir Hangi the UWA’s communications manager said that they were “saddened” by the killings. The government agent that leads tourism sector said that it cannot rule out illegal wildlife trafficking which resulted into investigation with local police working hand in hand with conservationists at the scene.
“Nature tourism is an important part of Uganda’s economy, contributing about 10% of its GDP, and plays a vital role in the conservation of animals “Bashir Hangi furthermore stated.
He said UWA strongly condemns the illegal killing of wildlife because it does not only impact negatively on our tourism as a country, but also revenue generation, which supports conservation and community work in our protected areas.
In the previous incidents, a number of lions have been believed to have been poisoned in Queen Elizabeth National Park. For example in May 2010, five lions were found dead due to similar incident and 11 lions – including eight cubs – were found dead after a suspected poisoning in April 2018.
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