UTOF Warns Taxi Operators Trying to Evade Operation Ganyegenya

The Uganda Transport Operators Federation (UTOF) has cautioned commuter taxi operators against trying to outsmart authorities by dodging safety inspections under Operation Ganyegenya.

According to UTOF Vice Chairperson in charge of Administration Mustafa Mayambala, some drivers have resorted to parking their unroadworthy vehicles during daylight hours and resuming business only after dark to escape enforcement teams.

However, Mayambala stressed that this evasive strategy is futile. The enforcement teams are active around the clock, conducting rigorous checks both during the day and at night to weed out dangerous vehicles from the roads.

Launched by the Ministry of Works and Transport in partnership with the Uganda Police Force and Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Operation Ganyegenya is a 100-day nationwide initiative designed to improve public road safety by removing defective commuter taxis.

Instead of finding ways to bypass the checks, taxi operators are strongly urged to take their vehicles for proper mechanical inspections and fix any existing faults. Mayambala pointed out that undertaking preventive repairs is far more economical than dealing with the heavy financial penalties and complexities of retrieving a vehicle impounded by the police.

Authorities continue to grapple with road safety challenges posed by faulty public transport vehicles. Drivers and owners have therefore been advised to treat regular maintenance as a top priority to protect passengers, pedestrians, and their own businesses throughout the duration of the 100-day campaign.

Read more details in the original report on Nile Post.