Democratic Republic of the Congo Uganda
Democratic Republic of the Congo 
UgandaLast reviewed July 2026
Crossing the border
Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda share a land border you can cross by car. Keep your passport, national driving licence and International Driving Permit together, and check opening hours and any toll or vignette requirements before you travel.
Driving rules in Uganda
- Drive on the left.
- Watch for boda-boda motorbikes.
- 0.08% alcohol limit.
- Carry passport, IDP and home licence.
What to see when you arrive in Uganda
- the mountain gorillas of Bwindi
- the source of the Nile at Jinja
- the Murchison Falls
- the Queen Elizabeth National Park
- the Rwenzori Mountains
Once you're driving in Uganda
Destination-specific detail sourced from national road authorities, motoring clubs and rental policies — the things that catch cross-border drivers out.
Driving on a foreign licence
A foreign licence printed in English is accepted for tourist/business stays of up to about 90 days; visitors whose licence is not in English (or for added police acceptance) should carry an International Driving Permit, which is accepted for up to 12 months alongside the home licence.
Tolls & road charges
Uganda has very limited tolling - the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway is the main toll road, paid electronically or by cash/mobile money at the plaza; ordinary national highways are toll-free.
Parking in the cities
In central Kampala on-street parking is managed by a concessionaire with paid bays and attendants (pay cash or mobile money); use guarded hotel/mall lots, as congestion and vehicle break-ins make unattended street parking risky.
Fines & camera enforcement
Police roadblocks are frequent; officers check the licence and IDP together. Express Penalty Scheme fines (speeding from automated cameras, no seatbelt, phone use) are official and paid by bank deposit, not cash at the roadside - never hand over cash directly.
If you have an accident
Call police on 999 (or 112 from mobile); for injuries or significant damage a police report is required, do not move vehicles, and avoid disputes at the scene. Notify your rental company; crowds can gather quickly, so move to a police station if you feel unsafe.
Driving in the capital
Kampala is heavily congested with swarms of 'boda boda' motorcycle taxis weaving between cars; expect long jams ('jam') and watch constantly for bodas overtaking on both sides at junctions.
Sources: ugandacarrentalservices.com · internationaldrivingpermit.org · globalpetrolprices.com · monitor.co.ug