The Ugandan government has announced an immediate ban on the operation of Dangerous Mechanically Conditioned (DMC) taxis in a decisive move aimed at improving road safety and restoring order in the public transport sector.
The directive, issued by the Ministry of Works and Transport, targets taxis deemed mechanically unfit and unsafe for passengers, particularly those operating within Kampala and surrounding metropolitan areas.
According to officials, the crackdown focuses on vehicles with visible defects such as loose doors, worn-out interiors, faulty braking systems, and poor general maintenance—conditions that have increasingly been linked to road accidents across the country.
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Enforcement of the ban is being carried out in collaboration with the Uganda Police Force, which has already begun impounding non-compliant vehicles. Authorities have warned that operators who defy the directive risk stiff penalties, including fines, suspension of operating licenses, and permanent removal of their vehicles from the road.
Government officials say the move is part of a broader strategy to reduce traffic accidents attributed to mechanical failure and negligence among public service vehicle operators. They note that many taxis have been operating without undergoing mandatory vehicle inspections, posing a serious threat to passenger safety.
“This is about saving lives,” a senior official from the ministry stated. “We cannot continue to allow vehicles that are clearly unfit to transport members of the public.”
The ban comes amid heightened concern over road safety in Uganda, where accidents involving public transport vehicles have remained a persistent challenge. Authorities have also extended the crackdown to include buses and other commercial vehicles, which have been given strict timelines to undergo inspection and certification.
Passengers and road safety advocates have largely welcomed the move, expressing hope that it will lead to safer and more reliable public transport services. However, some taxi operators have raised concerns about the economic impact of the directive, calling for government support to help them meet the required safety standards.
As enforcement intensifies, the government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that only roadworthy vehicles are allowed to operate, signaling a new phase in efforts to professionalize Uganda’s transport industry.
written by @enock katamba
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Enock Katamba – Journalist | Founder of Uncovered Ug (uncoveredug.com)
Enock Katamba is a Ugandan journalist and founder of Uncovered Uganda, a digital online news platform covering health, national news, entertainment, celebrity gossip, music, education, business, sports, and international news. He focuses on delivering accurate, timely, and reliable information to keep the public informed.
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