transport 21 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Taxi Operators Resist Crackdown on Old Vehicles, Seek Extension to June 2026
Uganda's taxi operators are urging the government to delay a planned removal of unroadworthy taxis from roads, citing high repair costs, poor infrastructure, and lack of consultation. They warn that immediate enforcement could disrupt livelihoods for thousands while the ministry denies issuing such a directive. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/operators-oppose-plan-to-remove-old-taxis-from-uganda-s-roads-demand-more-time-5431688
Taxi operators in Kampala have voiced strong opposition to a government plan targeting old and mechanically unsafe vehicles, demanding more time for compliance.
On March 18, State Minister for Works Fred Byamukama announced a 20-day ultimatum, with April 8 set as the start date for removing dangerous vehicles to reduce accidents. Operators argue the timeline is too tight, requesting an extension to at least June 2026.
Federation of Uganda Taxi Operators (UTOF) chairperson Rashid Ssekindi highlighted the need for repairs and criticized the lack of stakeholder engagement. He noted that abrupt action could impact around 3,000 people, far beyond Kampala’s 1,000 taxis, affecting regions like Wakiso and Entebbe.
Stage operator Ali Lukyamuzi echoed these concerns, calling for road improvements on routes like Nakawuka Road, Masaka Road, and the Mityana-Mubende highway before stricter enforcement. He pointed to heavy taxes—Shs750,000 annually and Shs5,000 daily stage fees—plus surging fuel costs as major burdens.
The Ministry of Works and Transport’s Allan Ssempebwa refuted claims of a taxi eviction, stating the initiative focused on bus inspections and involved stakeholders. This comes amid rising road fatalities, with 5,383 deaths reported in 2025, averaging 15 daily.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)