UPC Calls for National Transport Policy Amidst DMC Vehicle Crackdown

The Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) has thrown its support behind the government’s operation to remove vehicles in Dangerous Mechanical Condition (DMC) from the roads. However, the party has raised concerns that this crackdown, if not managed with a robust replacement plan, could exacerbate existing transport challenges and drive up fares for commuters.

UPC spokesperson Sharon Arach Oyat stated that while the party endorses the removal of unsafe vehicles, the operation should be comprehensive, targeting all mechanically unsound vehicles, not just public service vehicles like taxis. This includes motorcycles, lorries, buses, and even government and private cars, all of which can contribute to road accidents.

The “Ganyegenya” operation, launched by the Ministry of Works and Transport and Traffic Police, has already seen a significant number of vehicles impounded. Oyat highlighted the alarming statistics from the 2025 Police Annual Crime Report, which documented over 26,000 road crashes, resulting in thousands of fatalities and injuries. “UPC is on record raising an alarm that these accidents are costing the country heavily,” Oyat remarked.

The primary concern for UPC is the immediate impact on commuters. With many vehicles being removed, citizens are already facing stranded situations and escalating transport costs. Oyat urged the government to consider deploying institutional buses temporarily to alleviate the shortage, especially as schools and colleges prepare to reopen, which will further increase demand for public transport.

The party argues that the current DMC operation, while addressing an immediate safety issue, fails to tackle the deeper structural problems within Uganda’s transport sector. “This act can be equated to fire-fighting and the core challenge remains,” Oyat stated, advocating for a comprehensive national transport policy. This policy should integrate various modes of transport, including rail, water, and air travel, and explore investments in modern systems like electric trains and trams, leveraging the country’s power generation capabilities.

UPC also called for accelerated road construction and improved maintenance of existing infrastructure. They emphasized that an efficient transport system is fundamental for economic growth, facilitating the movement of people and goods and connecting markets. The party is pushing for a move away from piecemeal solutions towards a coordinated transport system that can meet Uganda’s growing mobility needs.