Know the road rules while self-driving in Uganda
Know the road rules while self-driving in Uganda, The ultimate way to make the most of the “Pearl of Africa”, as Uganda is always referred is to embark on a classic self-drive trip. With breathtaking remote areas, picturesque mountains and rolling hills, and jaw-dropping Lake Views, you will have the power to create an epic adventure that suits your interests and preferences.
Ugandans are known for being relaxed, friendly, welcoming, and down-to-earth. As 4×4 Uganda car rentals, we want you to experience the full laid-back culture on your Uganda self-drive adventure. Also, this country has excellent road 
infrastructure, large vehicle hire fleets run by local and regional rental companies, fantastic weather, and plenty of breathtaking scenery, which combine to make self-driving a viable and enjoyable option. If you are thinking of taking the long way around, we have a few tips to enhance your road trip experience. So, read up on our Uganda self-driving road rules and get some tips so you can be safe, relax, and get going on the open road.
Vehicle hire#know the road rules while self-driving in Uganda
Some of the car rental companies in Uganda are represented at the country’s main Airport- Entebbe International Airport and in most City Centers. Cars can generally be picked up at any of the Centers and dropped off at a branch in another center, subject to a small fee.
We usually recommend taking out the insurance offered by car rental Companies, unless you have specific cover in place. We also accept credit card payments (Visa and MasterCard) payments for car rental in Uganda.
Check your International Driver’s License rules#know the road rules while self-driving in Uganda
Another stressful part about self-driving in another country, including Uganda is trying to understand the overseas driving license rules. The exciting news is that Uganda, the Pearl of Africa is one of the easiest places to explore on your current license and you won’t need a separate International driving permit. Your driver’s license is accepted in Uganda, as long as it bears the photograph and signature of the holder and is printed or authenticated in English.
However, if your license isn’t in English, you will need to acquire an accurate translation before hitting the road in Uganda. Also, remember to carry all your documentation with you when you travel as traffic officers will expect to see it if they stop you for any reason.
Keep left, belt up, and think kilometers#know the road rules while self-driving in Uganda
Another golden rule for visiting Uganda is “keeping left”. It might be a challenge to remember if you are used to driving on the right-hand side. For this reason, take your time to double-check before turning into traffic and accelerating. Remember;
- When making a right-hand turn, look both ways and make a wide right turn into the left-hand side of the road.
- While making a left-hand turn, look right and turn onto the left-hand side of the road.
- All road distances and speed limits in Uganda are marked in kilometers.
- Seatbelts are compulsory and the use of hand-held phones while driving is against the Law.
- Drunk driving is prohibited, with the maximum acceptable alcohol blood content being 0.08%. That is roughly about 3-4 standard drinks for women and 4-5 standard drinks for men.
Take it easy and respect Uganda’s speed limit.
Highways in Uganda have a speed limit of 100 kilometers per hour, and you can travel for several hours without going through a residential area. Always take care to remain within the speed limit, even on quiet highways when you might not pass any other vehicles.
Urban areas and Cities have lower speed limits, and the signs will change swiftly to as low as 50 kilometers per hour, so always stay alert. On rural roads, the speed limit is 80 kilometers per hour, unless otherwise indicated. Fines for going over speed limits range from $55 to $150 so it pays to respect the road signs. Think of how many thrill-seeking Uganda safari activities you could enjoy instead of paying the fine. Driving a rental car means the car Rental Company will pay the fine, and you will be charged that amount plus an admin fee to your credit card.
Understand the traffic light sequence
Every safari destination might follow a different sequence of lights, and a few don’t have lights at all. However, in Uganda, 
the traffic light phases are as follows;
- Red
- Yellow
- Green
The red light will come on to let you stop. The yellow light comes to warn drivers that the signal is about to change to red, and should prepare to stop if safe to do so. The green light means you can proceed.
Avoid turning left on a red sign.
In some countries and safari destinations, it might be okay to turn left at a red light, as long as it is safe to do so. In Uganda, this is not allowed at any time, and you should always follow the traffic lights and wait for the green light. The red light means stop, and not even turning isn’t an option.
Share the road and let other vehicles pass whenever necessary.
The majority of Ugandan roads usually have only one lane in each direction, and it can be annoying when you are stuck behind a slow car or being tailgated by a speed demon. The fact is, there is no immediate solution to pass or get passed at any given time. However, Uganda drivers have two clever ways of addressing this and these include climbing or “extra” lanes and passing lanes. While they sound similar, the climbing lanes are used on highways to allow slower-moving vehicles to ascend hills without obstructing the flow of traffic while passing lanes, short stretches of road with an extra lane splitting off to the left to allow slow-moving cars to pull over and allow faster traffic to pass.
Don’t be alarmed by animals on the road
Vehicles don’t have priority over animals in Uganda and it is a common sight to see animals, especially herds of cattle or goats on the road. In such circumstances, never beep your horn or flash your lights at them and instead slow down and take over if it is safe to do so.
Pay your tolls
There is only one toll road in Uganda, the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway. It is important to pay attention if you drive on this road and pay the toll charges at the different toll gates. Even in a rental car, you will need only about $1.37 each time you use the toll road.
Other road rules you need to know while self driving in Uganda include always calculating your distance and fuel, preparing for poor phone reception, avoiding use of phone while driving, and planning your rest stops and appreciating the views.
We are always happy to hear from you. An excellent way to reach us is here. Contact us