New Bill targets to unify purchase, management of gov’t vehicles

Government says the reforms are intended to modernise public asset management while improving transparency and operational efficiency across ministries, departments and agencies.

Once enacted by Parliament, the Bill will establish a unified legal framework governing the entire lifecycle of government-owned plant, machinery and vehicles, from procurement and deployment to maintenance, monitoring, reallocation, enhancement, disposal and replacement.

Kampala, Uganda: Cabinet has approved a draft law aimed at strengthening accountability and improving the management of government vehicles and machinery by establishing a single legal framework to regulate their acquisition, use, maintenance and disposal.

The proposed Plant, Machinery and Vehicles Management Bill, 2026 was approved during Monday’s Cabinet meeting chaired by President Museveni at State House, Entebbe.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, Minister of ICT and National Guidance Justine Kasule Lumumba said the proposed legislation seeks to address persistent weaknesses in the management of government vehicles that have repeatedly been highlighted by the Auditor General.

The reforms come after successive audit reports pointed to poor record-keeping, excessive vehicle maintenance costs, weak monitoring of fuel consumption and delays in disposing of obsolete government vehicles.

Once enacted by Parliament, the Bill will establish a unified legal framework governing the entire lifecycle of government-owned plant, machinery and vehicles, from procurement and deployment to maintenance, monitoring, reallocation, enhancement, disposal and replacement.

Cabinet noted that the current legal regime is fragmented across several government institutions, creating overlapping mandates, duplication of responsibilities and weak accountability in managing public assets.

Under the proposed reforms, these functions will be consolidated under a professional management structure within the Ministry of Works and Transport, with uniform operational standards introduced to improve safety, efficiency and sustainability.

The proposed legislation will also establish clear criteria for the classification and lifecycle management of government vehicles and heavy machinery to promote consistency across public institutions.

In line with Uganda’s digital transformation agenda, the Bill proposes integrating emerging technologies into government fleet management, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, automation and the Internet of Things (IoT).

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Government says the reforms are intended to modernise public asset management while improving transparency and operational efficiency across ministries, departments and agencies.

The proposed law is aligned with the objectives of the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), which prioritises digital transformation, efficient public service delivery and value for money in public investment.

It also complements the Public Finance Management Act, 2015, which requires prudent management and protection of public assets, as well as the National ICT Policy, which encourages the adoption of digital technologies across government institutions.

If passed by Parliament, the legislation is expected to significantly reduce misuse of government vehicles, strengthen accountability, improve monitoring of public assets, and lower maintenance costs that have historically placed pressure on government expenditure.

The Bill will now be tabled before Parliament for consideration and debate before it can become law.