Hon. Fred Byamukama, Minister of Works and Transport, has directed the Uganda Police Force to commence a 100-day operation targeting commuter taxis operating in Dangerous Mechanical Condition (DMC) within the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area.
The operation will begin on Monday, 24 August 2026, and will target Ganyegenya ( Old Taxi) taxis that pose a serious risk to passengers, drivers and other road users.
Hon. Byamukama said taxis play an important role in Uganda’s transport system, supporting mobility, businesses and the wider economy. However, he stressed that the importance of the taxi business cannot come at the expense of people’s lives.
He cited cases of taxis operating with torn or damaged seats, faulty doors held together with ropes, unsafe steering systems and severely worn-out tyres. Such vehicles, he said, are beyond repair and should not continue carrying passengers.
“These vehicles are putting the lives of passengers, drivers and other road users at risk. We cannot continue putting people’s lives at risk at the expense of votes or strikes,” he said.
The Minister said the Ministry has already engaged the Uganda Police Force on enforcement of the directive, with the operation initially focusing on the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area and surrounding areas.
He clarified that Government has not banned the taxi business, but is targeting only vehicles that have been assessed to be unsafe and beyond repair.
Hon. Byamukama appealed to taxi operators to replace dangerous vehicles with roadworthy and properly maintained taxis, noting that safer public transport is essential to protecting lives and supporting Uganda’s economy.
The 100-day operation is part of Government’s broader efforts to improve road safety and reduce road crashes and fatalities on Ugandan roads.