Kampala Commuters Stranded as Taxi Crackdown Sparks Fare Hikes

Thousands of commuters in the Kampala Metropolitan Area faced significant travel disruptions yesterday as a police crackdown removed hundreds of unroadworthy taxis from the streets. Many taxi owners opted to park their vehicles rather than risk them being impounded by law enforcement officers.

The absence of a substantial number of taxis created an immediate shortage of public transport. Boda boda riders capitalized on the situation, hiking fares by as much as Shs3,000 and, in some instances, carrying passengers beyond legal limits. Private car owners also stepped in, offering rides for a fee to stranded travelers attempting to commute to and from work.

The operation, announced by the Minister of Works and Transport, Mr. Fred Byamukama, is a 100-day initiative targeting taxis in dangerous mechanical condition (DMC) within the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area. Unlike previous crackdowns, the emphasis this time is on impounding vehicles that do not meet standards, with drivers instructed to repair them before resuming operations.

This resulted in unusually clear roads during peak hours, a stark contrast to the usual gridlock. However, at taxi stages across the city, dozens of commuters were left waiting for the scarce operational 14-seater vehicles. Passengers reported long waits and doubled fares. For instance, a journey that usually costs Shs1,000 was charged at Shs2,000, with some taxi operators reportedly responding rudely to complaints.

Drivers of taxis deemed unroadworthy have cited issues such as high fuel prices, poor road conditions, and heavy taxation as reasons for their vehicles’ poor state. The Uganda Taxi Operators Federation (UTOF) acknowledged the mechanical issues but urged owners to undertake comprehensive repairs, including engine overhauls, to ensure passenger safety.

Some drivers whose vehicles were impounded claimed they were on their way to garages for repairs or that their vehicles were seized for minor issues not explicitly mentioned in the crackdown’s objectives. The situation highlights the ongoing challenge of maintaining roadworthy public transport amidst operational and economic pressures.