Government Initiates 100-Day Crackdown on Unroadworthy Taxis in Greater Kampala

Authorities in Uganda have initiated a decisive 100-day operation targeting “Ganyegenya” taxis operating in Greater Kampala and its environs. The move aims to address the significant safety risks posed by vehicles deemed unroadworthy.

Minister for Works and Transport, Fred Byamukama, stated that the operation seeks to restore order within the public transport sector. He highlighted that many of these taxis suffer from dangerous mechanical conditions, presenting hazards to passengers, drivers, and other road users. Examples cited include faulty doors, worn-out tires, defective steering, and braking systems, with some drivers even operating with doors held open.

The government emphasized that this is not a ban on the taxi business but a specific crackdown on vehicles that are beyond repair. These “Ganyegenya” taxis are often old vehicles that may have been involved in accidents, abandoned, and then superficially repaired at low cost before being returned to service.

Enforcement begins immediately, with the Uganda Police Force empowered to impound the offending vehicles. These impounded taxis will be taken to a designated parking facility secured by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) near Nakawa. The operation will initially focus on Kampala and Wakiso districts before potentially expanding to other regions across the country.

Minister Byamukama urged taxi operators to replace their unroadworthy vehicles with ones that meet safety standards. He reassured operators with compliant vehicles that the government supports their business and will continue to work with them.

This initiative addresses long-standing concerns regarding the safety and mechanical integrity of public service vehicles in Greater Kampala, a vital transport hub for thousands of daily commuters.

Source: Nile Post