Africa-Press – Uganda. The government has assumed control of vehicle inspection services previously managed by Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS), ending years of controversy surrounding the company’s operations.
The handover ceremony, held in Namanve, Mukono District, was presided over by Works and Transport Minister Gen Edward Katumba Wamala.
SGS began operations in 2015 with a mandate to improve road safety through vehicle inspections.
However, the company faced significant resistance from the public and Members of Parliament, who criticized its fees as exorbitant.
This opposition led to lawsuits and political interference, ultimately prompting the company to terminate its contract.
To compensate SGS for its investments, the government will pay Shs109 billion, of which Shs30 billion has already been disbursed.
The takeover includes all seven inspection centres across the country.
Bageya Waiswa, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Works and Transport, highlighted the challenges that plagued SGS’s operations.
“The lawsuits in court and parliamentary opposition made operations unsustainable,” he noted.
Daniel Gartmann, vice president of SGS, expressed gratitude to the government for the opportunity to operate in Uganda but lamented the resistance to the initiative.
“We are thankful to the government but disappointed by the opposition faced by a project meant to enhance road safety,” Gartmann said.
State Minister for Roads Musa Ecweru criticized the early resistance to the project, stressing the importance of vehicle inspections for reducing road accidents.
Gen. Katumba Wamala reassured motorists that the government’s management would make the services more affordable.
The revised annual fees are Shs49,500 for passenger cars, Shs5,500 for motorcycles (Boda Bodas), and Shs60,000 for heavy vehicles.
“Every Ugandan motorist will now be able to afford vehicle inspections. We urge everyone to support this initiative to make our roads safer,” Gen Katumba stated.
Vehicle inspections will resume under government control starting this financial year. All vehicles will be required to obtain inspection certificates to remain roadworthy.
This takeover signals a fresh start for vehicle inspection services in Uganda, with promises of affordability and improved efficiency.
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