Kampala Police Launch Crackdown on Defective Taxis

Starting today, August 24, 2026, a significant operation will commence across the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area targeting commuter taxis in dangerous mechanical condition (DMC).

Minister of State for Works and Transport, Fred Byamukama, announced the 100-day initiative, directing the Uganda Police Force to enforce the ban. “Our roads must not become death traps because of poorly maintained vehicles,” Byamukama stated.

Many taxi operators attribute the prevalence of DMC taxis to high operational costs, escalating vehicle prices, severe traffic congestion, and intense competition from alternatives like boda-bodas and passenger trains. The Uganda Taxi Operators Federation (UTOF) has advised its members with unfit vehicles to park them to avoid impoundment.

Rashid Ssekindi, chairman of UTOF, expressed concerns that the crackdown could trigger a public transport crisis, as a substantial portion of the commuter fleet is reportedly in poor condition. He highlighted that stringent government policies, such as the ban on importing taxis older than 15 years, have made acquiring affordable vehicles difficult, pushing many investors out of the business.

“Fewer people are willing to invest in 14-seater commuter taxis because they are too expensive while the financial returns remain very low,” Ssekindi explained. He suggested either waiving import taxes or temporarily lifting the age ban to allow cheaper models into the market.

Operators are also grappling with doubled purchase prices for taxis (now Shs80m-Shs100m), fuel costs exceeding Shs6,700 per liter, reduced daily trips due to congestion, and a dwindling customer base influenced by increased walking and competition.

https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/operation-against-dmc-taxis-starts-today-5568622