Uganda Ministry of Works: Mandatory Life Jackets on Inland Waterways

• The Ministry of Works and Transport has issued a mandatory life jacket directive for inland waterways in Uganda.
• Vessel owners and operators must provide sufficient life-saving appliances and life jackets on board at all times.
• Boats powered by outboard engines are restricted to operating between 6:30am and 6:30pm, effectively banning night navigation.
• Operators who breach the requirements risk having their vessels detained and facing prosecution.
• The directive aims to reduce the risk of accidents and prevent drowning during the monsoon season.

During the months of July, August, September to October, our inland waterways experience strong Easterly Monsoon winds and turbulent waves which explain the increased incidences of marine accidents within this period.

The Ministry of Works and Transport in Uganda has issued a mandatory life jacket directive for inland waterways, effective immediately. The directive, contained in Marine Notice No. 001/2026, requires all vessel owners and operators to provide sufficient life-saving appliances and life jackets on board at all times. This measure is aimed at reducing the risk of accidents during the monsoon season, which runs from July to October. During this period, strong easterly winds and turbulent waves pose a significant threat to boat passengers and crew members.

The directive also restricts boats powered by outboard engines to operating between 6:30am and 6:30pm, effectively banning night navigation for these vessels. Operators who fail to comply with the requirements risk having their vessels detained and facing prosecution.

The mandatory life jacket directive is being enforced under the Inland Water Transport Act 2021, the Lake Victoria Transport Act 2007, and international maritime conventions ratified by Uganda. The ministry has emphasized that vessel owners and operators must adhere to these regulations to ensure the safety of passengers and crew members on inland waterways. The enforcement of these measures is crucial in preventing accidents and reducing the risk of drowning during the monsoon season.

The World Health Organisation estimates that about 2,000 people died from drowning in Uganda in 2021, placing the country among those with a significant drowning burden. This statistic highlights the need for stronger prevention measures to address this public health crisis.

The mandatory life jacket directive is a crucial step towards reducing the risk of accidents and preventing drowning on Uganda's inland waterways. The enforcement of these regulations will not only save lives but also promote safe navigation practices among boat operators and passengers. As the monsoon season approaches, it is essential for vessel owners and operators to comply with the requirements to ensure the safety of all individuals on board.

The WHO has called for stronger prevention measures to address the global drowning crisis, which claims about 300,000 lives each year. In Uganda, researchers have identified significant gaps in reporting and duplication across police, marine police, fire and rescue services, and mortuaries, highlighting the need for more effective data collection and analysis to inform policy decisions.

Lawyers and compliance officers should note that vessel owners and operators in Uganda are now required to provide sufficient life-saving appliances and life jackets on board at all times, with passengers wearing them continuously from departure until the end of their journey. Operators who breach these requirements risk having their vessels detained and facing prosecution.

Source: Original reporting via Government Issues Mandatory Life Jacket Directive Amid Rising Monsoon Risk On Waterways