To legally engage in land water transport for the carriage of passengers or goods by ship in Uganda, you must apply for a Land Water Transport License from the Transport License Board (TLB) under the Ministry of Works and Transport. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the license and the documents needed for approval.
Step 1: Application Process
- Contact the Transport License Board (TLB)
- Before applying, you must contact the Transport License Board to determine whether ships are allowed in your intended sector and to understand the necessary documents required for the application.
- Fill Out the Application Form
- Obtain the application form from the TLB or their website. Complete the form with details including:
- Type and number of ships/vessels to be used
- Particulars of construction, motive power, and cargo capacity of each ship
- Number of crew members to be carried on each ship
- Number of passengers each ship is intended to carry
- Routes and services to be provided by the ships
- Obtain the application form from the TLB or their website. Complete the form with details including:
- Submit the Completed Application Form
- Submit the completed application form and the required documents (listed below) to the Transport License Board. Ensure your application is submitted at least three weeks before the scheduled Board meeting.
- Approval of the License
- The Transport License Board may grant an exclusive license for the operation of ships for the carriage of goods or passengers in designated areas, routes, or places.
- Processing and Notification
- After approval, the TLB may contact you via phone or email to notify you when your license is ready for collection.
Required Documents
- Completed application form with detailed navigation business plan
- Certified copy of the Certificate of Incorporation or business registration certificate
- Details of the ships (type, number, construction, engine details, passenger capacity, etc.)
- Passenger Ship Safety Certificate
- Tax clearance certificate
- Inspection reports and public and passenger liability insurance
- Any other documents requested by the TLB
Eligibility
- The license is available to individuals or organizations intending to operate ships with a length of more than 24 meters for inland water transport activities.
Fees
- Application Fee: UGX 106,067
- License Fee: UGX 500,000 (subject to change)
Processing Time
- The maximum processing time for the Land Water Transport License is 2 weeks.
License Validity
- The license is valid for 1 year and must be renewed annually.
Office Locations & Contacts
- Ministry of Works and Transport
Physical Address: Off Jinja Road/Old Port Bell Rd, P.O. Box 7174, Kampala, Uganda
Phone: +256 414 320135 / 0414 321364
Email: [email protected]
Website: Ministry of Works and Transport
Need for the Document
The Land Water Transport License ensures that only qualified and authorized operators can provide transport services on inland waters in Uganda. This regulatory process helps maintain safety, security, and environmental standards for water transport activities.
Other Uses of the Document
In addition to authorizing the transport of goods and passengers, the Land Water Transport License also serves as proof of compliance with the relevant transport regulations in Uganda, offering credibility to operators and enhancing business prospects.
By following the steps outlined above, you can apply for and obtain a Land Water Transport License to legally operate ships for transporting goods or passengers in Uganda’s inland waters.
