Bus drivers across Tanzania downed tools on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, in protest against a new traffic penalty system, disrupting interregional travel and leaving passengers stranded. The strike began at about 6am in Dar es Salaam, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded at the Magufuli Bus Terminal as they waited for information on when their journeys would resume.
The new system, introduced through Government Notice No. 420, assigns each driving licence 15 points, which are deducted depending on the type and severity of a traffic offence. Drivers have raised concerns that the system could result in the loss of their licences and livelihoods, particularly where they are fined and have points deducted for the same offence.
The strike was also reported in Morogoro, Mbeya, Njombe, Arusha, Moshi and Musoma in Mara among others, although bus services continued in some areas. In Moshi, drivers operating interregional routes stopped work for several hours, arguing that the demerit system amounted to double punishment when a driver was fined and also lost points for the same offence.
Speaking to The Citizen, Mr Ambakisye Mwakifwange, executive director of the Tanzania Passengers’ Education and Rights Advocacy Organisation (Shikuhata), said drivers’ strikes mainly affected passengers whose access to transport was disrupted. He urged drivers with grievances to use established channels to seek redress without disrupting transport services.
Bus driver Shedrack Kaaya said drivers felt that most traffic laws placed the burden on them. “About 99 percent of the laws target the driver. Whenever even a minor offence occurs, it is the driver who loses points,” he said. He said some drivers lacked formal employment contracts or other protections from employers.
In Mbeya, long-distance buses suspended services from about 5am, leaving passengers stranded for several hours. Regional Commissioner Jumanne Sagini visited the main bus terminal to hear the drivers’ concerns. Passenger Ester Peter, who was travelling to Tunduma in Songwe Region, said the strike could affect economic activity because long-distance buses are an important link for trade and movement between regions.
Industry calls for dialogue Tanzania Truck Owners Association chairman Elias Lukumay said the drivers’ concerns should be addressed through dialogue. The chairman of the Tanzania Bus Drivers Union (Uwamata), Majura Kafumu, also confirmed the strike, saying the union was at the Magufuli Bus Terminal seeking a solution.
Key points
- Bus drivers in Tanzania go on strike over new traffic penalty system
- Strike disrupts interregional travel, leaving passengers stranded
- Drivers cite concerns over possible licence suspensions and livelihood losses
