The Ministry of Works and Transport has banned the entry and movement of dangerous mechanically conditioned (DMC) taxis in Kampala and its surrounding areas, in a major crackdown aimed at improving road safety.
The directive, which takes immediate effect, was announced by the State Minister for Works and Transport, Fred Byamukama, during a stakeholders’ meeting with transport operators held at the motor vehicle inspection centre in Namanve.
The minister said a significant number of taxis operating in and around Kampala are in poor mechanical condition and pose a serious risk to passengers and other road users.
“Effective March 8, we don’t expect any old taxis in Kampala. I have seen them—doors tied with ropes, passenger doors fastened with ropes, seats inside tied with ropes, and even the smell coming out of those taxis is not good,” Byamukama said.
He added that the ministry has coordinated with the Uganda Police Force to enforce the ban, warning that non-compliant vehicles will be impounded.
“We have collaborated with police. Come April 8, we don’t expect those taxis on the road. Many of them are within Kampala and have failed to present their vehicles for inspection before operating,” he said.
The crackdown comes amid growing concern over road accidents linked to poorly maintained public service vehicles, with authorities blaming lax compliance with inspection requirements.
In a related development, the ministry has issued a two-month ultimatum for buses operating along northern and eastern routes to undergo mandatory inspection and certification.
“It is our mandate as government to put measures that help reduce road accidents. It is also the obligation of operators to maintain discipline on the road, as we have seen drivers causing accidents in which innocent Ugandans lose their lives,” Byamukama said.
He noted that the enforcement exercise will begin with routes that have recorded frequent accidents, particularly in eastern and northern Uganda.
“We have started with buses on the eastern and northern routes and given them timelines from April 8 to June 8. We expect all buses on those routes to bear inspection stickers,” he added.
Authorities say failure to comply will result in penalties, including removal of vehicles from the road.
Meanwhile, the government has taken over the management of mandatory motor vehicle inspection services, previously handled by SGS, in a move aimed at strengthening oversight and ensuring stricter enforcement of vehicle safety standards.
The latest measures signal a broader push by government to restore order in the public transport sector and reduce preventable road crashes.