A country taxicab operator’s licence Uganda authorizes an individual or company to operate a taxi service for the carriage of passengers for hire within designated rural or inter-district routes. This licence is issued by the Transport Licensing Board (TLB) under the Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT). It ensures safe, regulated, and efficient public transportation in line with Uganda’s transport laws.
The purpose of this licence is to control and monitor the operation of country taxi cabs, maintaining standards of roadworthiness, safety, and professionalism among operators.
Procedure
Step 1: Application Submission
Applicants must apply in writing to the Transport Licensing Board. Obtain and fill out the prescribed application form available at the Ministry of Works and Transport.
Step 2: Payment of Fees
Visit the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) office to pick up payment slips for income tax and the country taxicab operator’s licence. Complete the details, make the payment at the bank, and keep the acknowledgement receipt. URA will issue a payment confirmation notification to your registered email or phone.
Step 3: Document Submission and Vehicle Inspection
Bring your vehicle, payment receipts, and the completed form to the Transport Licensing Board at the Ministry of Works and Transport. Submit all required documents including the vehicle logbook, insurance certificate, and tax clearance.
If you do not yet have a Tax Identification Number (TIN), URA staff at the board can generate one for you on-site.
Step 4: Verification and Roadworthiness Inspection
A Transport Licensing Officer will review your documents for validity and inspect your vehicle for roadworthiness. If defects are found, a defect sheet will be issued, requiring you to fix issues at an authorized garage before re-inspection.
Step 5: Issuance of Licence
After successful verification and inspection, the officer grants the Country Taxicab Operator’s Licence, specifying the authorized route(s) and service conditions.
Important Note:
The board will not grant or renew a licence to an applicant who:
- Has been convicted of fraud or dishonesty in the past two years.
- Has violated conditions of a previous operator’s licence.
- Has had a vehicle operator’s licence revoked.
The board also considers public demand, efficiency of service, and coordination with other transport routes before approval.
Required Documents
- Certificate of Insurance (Third Party)
- Vehicle registration (logbook)
- Certificate of fitness
- Proof of payment for licence fees
- Valid tax clearance certificate
Eligibility
Any individual or company that owns a country taxicab and wishes to operate a passenger service for hire along fixed rural or inter-district routes is eligible for this licence.
Fees
- Licence Fee: UGX 200,000
- Renewal Fee: UGX 200,000
Validity
The country taxicab operator’s licence Uganda is valid for one year, after which it must be renewed. The licence remains valid for the period stated or until revoked or surrendered.
Processing Time
The processing time is approximately 2 hours, depending on inspection and verification outcomes.
Office Location and Contact
Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT)
Transport Licensing Board (TLB)
Head Office: Off Jinja Road / Old Port Bell Road, Kampala, Uganda
P.O. Box 7174, Kampala
Tel: +256 414 320135 / +256 414 321364
Fax: +256 414 236369
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.works.go.ug
Instructions
A licence granted under the Act cannot be transferred or assigned without the written consent of the Transport Licensing Board.
Holders intending to renew their licences must apply one month before expiry and include the prescribed renewal fee and documents.
Required Information
Applicants must provide the following:
- Full name, physical and postal address
- Legal status (individual or company)
- Certificate of registration or incorporation
- Memorandum and Articles of Association (for companies)
- Criminal record disclosure (if any)
- Details of previous licences held (type, number, and issue date)
Need for the Document
A country taxicab operator’s licence Uganda is essential for legal operation of taxi services in rural areas. It helps:
- Regulate the public transport sector.
- Promote safety and reliability in passenger transport.
- Prevent unlicensed taxi operations and unfair competition.
Information Which Might Help
Before applying, ensure your vehicle meets roadworthiness standards and you have a valid third-party insurance policy. The Transport Licensing Board considers:
- The public’s transport needs.
- Efficiency and affordability of proposed services.
- Coordination with existing transport operators.
- Complaints or objections lodged by other licensees.
A licence may include conditions such as route limits, operational schedules, or safety compliance requirements as deemed fit by the Board.
