Kampala Transport Disrupted By Vehicle Crackdown

Kampala, August 25, 2026 - Commuters faced disruption as a government-backed crackdown on unroadworthy vehicles took taxis off key routes, exposing the economic sensitivity of urban transport enforcement in the capital.

The Ministry of Works and Transport and traffic police launched Operation Ganyegenya, led by Works and Transport Minister Fred Byamukama, to reduce road accidents by removing defective vehicles from public roads.

Taxi operators said they support efforts to improve road safety but argued that poor road conditions, including potholes and other defects, should be addressed first. Many said extended repairs would threaten livelihoods because taxis are their main source of income.

Authorities said the operation is not primarily targeting private vehicles, but any vehicle intercepted and deemed to be in dangerous mechanical condition can be impounded.

The campaign has implications for Kampala's labour mobility and informal transport economy, where safety regulation must be balanced against household incomes and daily commuter access.