KAMPALA, August 27, 2026 — The Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) has backed the government’s crackdown on vehicles in Dangerous Mechanical Condition (DMC), but warned that removing taxis from the roads without providing alternatives could worsen the transport challenges facing commuters in Greater Kampala.
The party’s position comes days after the Ministry of Works and Transport and Traffic Police launched a 100-day enforcement operation dubbed “Ganyegenya” in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area.
The operation, which started on August 24, targets public service vehicles found to be in Dangerous Mechanical Condition (DMC), particularly the ageing 14-seater taxis commonly associated with the name “Ganyegenya”.
Also Read: Government bans DMC Taxis in Major Road Safety crackdown
Police said 178 vehicles were impounded on the first day as officers began enforcing safety requirements relating to tyres, brakes, vehicle bodies and other mechanical conditions.
While supporting the safety campaign, UPC spokesperson Sharon Arach Oyat said government should have a replacement plan for the vehicles removed from service.
She said the withdrawal of taxis has already left some commuters waiting for long periods at stages, while others are paying more to use boda bodas and other available transport.
“The issue is not whether dangerous vehicles should be removed. They should,” the party’s position states. However, Ms Oyat argued that enforcement must be accompanied by measures that protect commuters from a transport shortage.
She proposed the temporary deployment of buses operated by institutions to supplement public transport, particularly when schools and colleges reopen and passenger numbers increase.
UPC also wants the crackdown extended beyond taxis to include motorcycles, bicycles, tuk-tuks, trucks, lorries, buses, government vehicles and private cars.
According to the party, mechanical safety should apply equally to all road users because an unsafe vehicle of any category can cause accidents.
Ms Oyat described the current approach as “fire-fighting”, saying Uganda needs a broader transport strategy rather than relying mainly on periodic enforcement campaigns.
The party is calling for a comprehensive national transport policy that integrates road transport with railway and commuter services, water transport and domestic air travel.
It has also proposed investment in electric trains and trams, citing Uganda’s electricity generation potential as an opportunity to develop cleaner and more efficient mass transit.
The concerns come amid reports of reduced taxi availability in some parts of Greater Kampala following the operation. Authorities have adjusted enforcement in some areas to allow vehicle owners to undertake repairs and reduce disruption to commuters.
UPC said the immediate priority should be to make roads safer without making public transport unaffordable or inaccessible to ordinary Ugandans. The government operation is expected to continue for 100 days.
written by @enock katamba
- Enock Katamba is a Ugandan Journalist and Founder of Uncovered UG, an independent digital news platform covering Uganda and international developments. He reports on politics, national affairs, entertainment, sports, business, education and other stories of public interest.
Latest entries
National News27 August 2026UPC Backs DMC Crackdown, Warns of Transport Crisis- Local news27 August 2026Former Koboko speaker George Ambe dies after 16 days in ICU
- National News27 August 2026Police arrest five, seize 12 suspected stolen motorcycles in Ndeeba
- Sports27 August 2026Champions League 2026/27: All 36 Teams Confirmed Ahead of Draw
