The Inspector Of Vehicles (IOV), ASP Waiswa Patrick unveiled a comprehensive curriculum model developed by the government, designed to address shortcomings in driver training and ensure a structured approach to skill development for driving instructors.
The unveiling happened during a collaborative workshop that had different players in the driving industry, including inspectors of vehicles, instructors, and driving school owners in Naguru.
The workshop also aimed at aligning Uganda’s driving education system with the global road safety action plan for 2020-2023 to reduce accidents by 50% come 2030.
Waiswa emphasised the importance of embracing this curriculum.
“We are advancing towards a future where driving conditions are evolving. We must absorb this curriculum to keep pace with technological advancements and road safety standards.” Waiswa emphasised.
He also urged key stakeholders in the driving industry to maintain strong relationships and prioritise road safety as they work towards the ambitious goal of achieving an accident-free Uganda by 2030.
He stressed that as long as there is any gap, the industry must work tirelessly to address it and that driving school operators must adhere to the established standards and systems, including appointment booking, payment procedures, and handling cancellations.
The Chairman of the Uganda Driving Schools Operators and Instructors Association (UDSOIA), Abbey Kanyankole, emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts to achieve the goal of making Uganda accident-free by 2030.
Kanyankole stated that as directors and instructors at driving schools, they encounter various challenges, such as expired driving permits, complex booking procedures, unwelcoming experiences at IOV testing centres and he called upon IOV to provide a prompt solution to alleviate these challenges and facilitate their work.
The members of Uganda Driving Schools Operators & Instructors Association, Police driving instructors, directors of driving schools and other industry representatives were also in attendance.