Stranded Commuters as Police Target Dilapidated Taxis in Kampala

Commuters in the Kampala metropolitan area experienced significant travel delays on Monday morning due to a police crackdown on taxis in dangerous mechanical condition. The operation, launched early by traffic police, focused on impounding dilapidated 14-seater commuter vehicles, often referred to as ‘gganyenya’, operating within Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono districts.

Police presence was visible along major thoroughfares such as Gayaza Road, Jinja Road, and Hoima Road, among others. At a checkpoint on Hoima Road, at least 40 taxis were impounded and towed to the Nakawa parking yard, leaving passengers to find alternative transportation.

According to Tifu Nabapa, officer in charge of traffic at Rubigi Police Station, many vehicles were easily identifiable as unsafe through visual inspection alone. Drivers were not arrested but instructed to take their vehicles for repair. The crackdown follows a directive from State Minister for Works and Transport, Fred Byamukama, who ordered the impounding of unsafe taxis to remove them from circulation.

Minister Byamukama highlighted the severe state of some vehicles, describing torn seats, makeshift repairs with superglue, and even steering wheels tied with ropes. He emphasized that these poorly maintained vehicles pose a significant risk to passengers and other road users, with some operations concentrated on routes known for older taxi fleets.

Some taxi operators expressed concern over the sudden enforcement, with drivers caught between complying with the directive and earning a livelihood. Joel Musasizi, a driver whose vehicle was impounded, appealed for more time for repairs. Meanwhile, Muzamir Ndibo, chairperson of Bwaise Taxi Park, welcomed the initiative but raised concerns about potential corruption, suggesting that some officers may overlook unsafe vehicles in exchange for bribes.

This operation is part of broader efforts by the Ministry of Works and Transport and traffic police to enhance road safety through measures like enforcing inspection certificates, combating overloading, and conducting regular mechanical checks. Passengers at various taxi parks were left waiting for hours, with many ultimately returning home due to the scarcity of compliant vehicles.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)