Uganda Police launch 100-day crackdown on unsafe taxis

The Uganda Police Force has launched a 100-day operation to remove public service vehicles (PSVs) in dangerous mechanical condition (DMC) from the Kampala metropolitan area. The crackdown follows a directive from the Minister of State for Works and Transport, Fred Byamukama, aimed at improving road safety.

Traffic Police spokesperson Michael Kananura noted that the Kampala Metropolitan Police recorded 1,183 road crash fatalities in 2025. Mechanical defects, including issues with brakes, steering, tyres, and vehicle structures, were identified as major contributors to these accidents. During the initial phase of enforcement, police apprehended 398 drivers for various offences, including driving unsafe vehicles, careless driving, and illegal modifications.

The operation targets dilapidated 14-seater taxis, often referred to as ‘gganyegenya’, across routes including Gayaza Road, Jinja Road, and the Northern Bypass. While the crackdown has left many passengers stranded, authorities emphasized that the goal is not to ban the taxi industry or disrupt the economy, but to ensure that only mechanically sound vehicles are permitted to carry the public.