Kampala Commuters Stranded as Police Impound Faulty Taxis

Commuters in Kampala faced widespread disruption this week as traffic police launched an extensive operation to remove mechanically faulty taxis from the roads. The 100-day crackdown, initiated following a directive from the Minister of Works and Transport, has resulted in many taxi stages being deserted as vehicles are impounded.

According to Mr. Michael Kananura, spokesperson for the traffic directorate, the operation focuses on vehicles in severe disrepair. Taxis with worn-out tires, malfunctioning brakes, broken headlights, rusty bodies, and other critical defects are being targeted. Even taxis with makeshift repairs, such as ropes holding doors or shattered windscreens, are being taken off the road.

While the primary focus is on public transport, Mr. Kananura noted that private vehicles found to be mechanically unsound will also be impounded. The operation aims to enhance road safety by ensuring that vehicles operating on Ugandan roads are in a suitable mechanical condition, urging the public to prioritize their safety when choosing transport.

Mr. Apollo Kashanku, Assistant Commissioner for Road Transport Regulation and Safety, stated that the operation is designed to reduce road crashes attributed to poorly maintained commuter taxis. Impounded vehicles will undergo inspection to determine if they can be repaired or must be permanently removed from service. The authorities are also cracking down on the use of locally fabricated parts, which often compromise safety standards.

The operation, which commenced in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area, is slated to expand nationwide, addressing road safety through improvements in vehicle standards, infrastructure, driver behavior, and post-crash care.