Uganda Police have launched a 100-day crackdown on commuter taxis operating in dangerous mechanical condition, with authorities warning that vehicles found to pose a risk to passengers will be impounded.
The operation, which began on Monday, August 24, targets public service vehicles within the Kampala Metropolitan Area and follows a directive from Works and Transport Minister Fred Byamukama.
Traffic Police spokesperson Michael Kananura said the exercise is focused on removing unroadworthy vehicles from the roads and should not be interpreted as a ban on taxi operations.
Police will pay particular attention to serious mechanical defects affecting braking systems, steering, tyres, doors, seats and vehicle bodies. Kananura cited cases of taxis with doors tied with ropes, badly worn tyres and damaged seats being used to carry passengers.
Vehicles found in dangerous mechanical condition will be impounded and taken to designated yards for inspection and possible legal action.
WHY THE CRACKDOWN ?
The operation comes amid concerns over road safety in Kampala, which recorded the highest number of road crash fatalities in Uganda in 2025.
According to the Uganda Police Force Annual Crime Report 2025, the Kampala Metropolitan Area recorded 1,183 road crash fatalities, with pedestrians, boda boda riders and passengers among those most at risk.
Police also said about 60 targeted vehicles inspected during the previous two weeks failed to meet required safety standards, while recent nationwide enforcement operations resulted in 398 drivers being apprehended for driving vehicles in dangerous mechanical condition.
WHAT POLICE ARE CHECKING
Beyond mechanical condition, officers will inspect:
– Vehicle and driver licensing
– Route charts
– Driver licences and badges
– Dangerous loading
– Illegal vehicle modifications
– Overall roadworthiness
The enforcement will cover not only taxi operators but also bus operators, heavy truck drivers and private motorists.
POLICE MESSAGE TO TAXI OWNERS
Kananura urged taxi owners and operators to take responsibility for ensuring their vehicles are roadworthy before putting them into service.
Vehicles that are properly licensed, inspected, mechanically sound and compliant with the law, he said, have nothing to fear from the operation.
Police have also encouraged passengers to avoid boarding vehicles they know to be unsafe and to report dangerous public service vehicles.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
• 100-day operation: The crackdown started on August 24 and will run for 100 days.
• Unsafe taxis targeted: Police are focusing on vehicles with serious mechanical defects rather than banning taxis generally.
• Kampala first: The operation is targeting taxis within the Kampala Metropolitan Area.
• Passenger safety is the priority: Authorities say the aim is to reduce road crashes and save lives.
• Responsibility lies with operators: Taxi owners are being urged to repair and properly maintain their vehicles before putting them on the road.
The police say the campaign is ultimately about making public transport safer while allowing roadworthy taxi operators to continue serving commuters.
