10 Tips for new drivers on how to drive safely on Ugandan highways
These tips for new drivers on how to survive on Ugandan roads, highways to be specific. Uganda’s highways offer breath-taking scenery and connect key cities, towns, and trade routes across East Africa. However, they also present a range of challenges—ranging from unpredictable weather and varying road conditions to diverse traffic compositions including trucks, boda-bodas, and livestock.
For new drivers, understanding how to safely navigate Uganda’s highways is crucial for avoiding accidents, protecting lives, and building long-term driving confidence.
At Prestige Driving School, we are committed to not only teaching our students how to drive, but also how to drive safely, smartly, and responsibly.
In this guide, we share tips for new drivers to help drivers master safe highway driving in Uganda.
1. Understand Uganda’s Highway Environment
Before you start driving on highways like the Kampala–Gulu Highway, Kampala–Masaka Road, or Jinja Road, you need to understand the unique characteristics of Ugandan roads:
- Mixed traffic: Expect a blend of long-haul trucks, private cars, motorcycles (boda-bodas), pedestrians, and animals.
- Road quality variations: While some roads are well-maintained, others may have potholes, poor signage, or no road markings.
- Limited lighting: Most highways lack proper street lighting, making night driving more dangerous.
- Unpredictable weather: Sudden rains can reduce visibility and cause slippery conditions, especially on older roads.
Tip: Always assess the road and weather conditions before your trip. If the weather is severe, postpone your journey if possible.
2. Observe Speed Limits – and Drive to the Conditions
Uganda’s national highway speed limit is 100 km/h for private vehicles. However, safe driving is not just about obeying the posted speed—it’s about adjusting your speed to suit the current driving conditions.
- Slow down
- Near towns or trading centres
- When visibility is poor
- During heavy rain or fog
- When overtaking or approaching bends
Tip: Use your speedometer frequently. Don’t rely on your “sense of speed”—especially as a beginner.
3. Keep a Safe Following Distance
Tailgating is one of the most common causes of highway accidents in Uganda. Always maintain a safe following distance of at least 3 seconds between your vehicle and the one ahead.
- In wet conditions, double the distance to allow for longer braking times.
- If someone is tailgating you, safely move aside and let them pass.
Tip: Use the “three-second rule”. Pick a fixed point on the road; if you pass it less than three seconds after the car ahead, you’re too close.
4. Master the Art of Overtaking – Safely
Overtaking on highways requires caution, skill, and sound judgment. Unsafe overtaking is a leading cause of fatal crashes in Uganda.
- only overtake when:
- You have clear visibility ahead
- There are no solid lines or signs prohibiting overtaking
- You have enough space to return safely
- Never overtake:
- Near bends, hills, bridges, or pedestrian crossings
- In low visibility (rain, fog, dust)
- If you’re uncertain about the speed of oncoming traffic
Tip: If you’re not 100% sure it’s safe to overtake, don’t. Delay is better than danger.
5. Use Your Mirrors – Constantly
Many new drivers forget the importance of situational awareness. On the highway, use your rear-view and side mirrors every 5–10 seconds to monitor surrounding traffic.
Also:
- Check mirrors before changing lanes
- Always signal at least 5 seconds before turning or switching lanes
Tip: Think of your mirrors as your second set of eyes. Make it a habit, not a reaction.
6. Avoid Distractions
On highways, things happen fast. One second of distraction can lead to a fatal mistake.
Avoid:
- Mobile phone use (even hands-free conversations can reduce attention)
- Eating or adjusting controls while driving
- Loud music that drowns out sirens or horns
Tip: Keep your full attention on the road. Stay alert, especially during long trips.
7. Don’t Drive When Tired
Fatigue is a silent killer on highways. If you feel drowsy, stop at a safe place and rest.
Signs of fatigue:
- Frequent yawning
- Drifting across lanes
- Trouble keeping eyes open
Tip: For journeys over 2 hours, take a break every 60–90 minutes. Even a 10-minute walk can restore alertness.
8. Prepare Your Vehicle for Highway Conditions
A well-maintained vehicle is your first line of defense on long-distance roads.
Before your trip, always check:
- Brakes
- Tyres (including spare tyre)
- Lights and indicators
- Wipers and windscreen washers
- Fuel and engine oil
Tip: Keep emergency items in your car: a first-aid kit, reflective triangle, fire extinguisher, flashlight, and a charged phone.
9. Respect Traffic Laws and Other Road Users
Safe driving is not just about you—it’s about creating a safe environment for all.
- Always wear your seatbelt
- Don’t drink and drive
- Respect police checkpoints and traffic enforcement officers
- Share the road courteously with trucks, boda-bodas, cyclists, and pedestrians
Tip: Defensive driving is key. Assume other drivers may make mistakes, and stay prepared to respond safely.
10. Build Confidence Through Professional Training
No blog, video, or advice can substitute for hands-on, practical training with experienced instructors.
At Prestige Driving School, we provide:
- Real highway driving experience
- Defensive driving courses
- Confidence-building programs for new drivers
- Refresher courses for licensed drivers
Tip: The more you practice in real-life conditions—with expert supervision or these tips for new drivers—the safer and more confident you’ll become.
Final Thoughts
Highway driving in Uganda can be exciting, rewarding, and efficient—but only if done responsibly. As a new driver, your safety and that of other road users depends on how well you apply the knowledge and skills you’ve learned. So these tips for new drivers will help you you gain the confidence you need to thrive on the Uganda roads.
Always prepare, stay alert, obey traffic rules, and never stop learning.
Ready to become a confident, safe, and skilled driver?
Join Prestige Driving School today – Uganda’s most trusted driving school for beginner and advanced drivers.
Call us now or book your driving lessons online.
