news 1 September 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Police Clarify 'Operation Ganyegenya' Enforcement Lulls
Police have explained that the intermittent enforcement of 'Operation Ganyegenya,' a 100-day campaign against unroadworthy public service vehicles, is due to logistical challenges in impounded vehicle storage. The operation aims to improve road safety by targeting vehicles with critical mechanical and safety defects. Source: https://observer.ug/news/police-pause-operation-ganyegenya
Operation Ganyegenya, a government initiative to remove unsafe public service vehicles from Ugandan roads, has experienced a less consistent enforcement schedule than initially anticipated. While launched with a directive from the Ministry of Works and Transport, the 100-day crackdown has seen limited daily activity.
Traffic Police spokesperson Michael Kananura stated that the primary reason for the pause in daily impoundments is a lack of adequate space to store the sheer volume of vehicles seized. During the initial enforcement on August 24, 178 commuter taxis were impounded across the Kampala metropolitan area. To manage this, police are now impounding vehicles, conducting inspections, releasing them for repairs, and then resuming enforcement once space becomes available.
Inspections are thorough, covering everything from dangerous bull bars and worn tires to seat belts and functioning fire extinguishers. Vehicles found with defects are returned to their owners for repairs and must pass a second inspection before being allowed back on the road. This process requires careful coordination and sufficient capacity.
Minister of Works and Transport, Fred Byamukama, highlighted the dire condition of some vehicles, describing them as “beyond repair” with torn seats, faulty doors, and makeshift repairs. He acknowledged past resistance from operators but emphasized the necessity of the operation for public safety. Police are also planning to intensify operations at night to catch operators who attempt to evade daytime checks, warning of “dangerous” consequences for them.
Furthermore, police have refuted claims of bribery, asserting that officers found facilitating the release of unroadworthy vehicles face severe disciplinary action, with surveillance in place to monitor compliance. The operation, currently focused on Kampala, is slated to expand nationwide after the initial phase.